Crack in NDA? HD Kumaraswamy refuses to support BJP's Padayatra

New Delhi: Union Minister and JD(S) State President HD Kumaraswamy has announced that his party will not support the Karnataka BJP's planned padayatra. Kumaraswamy criticized BJP leader Preetham Gowda and questioned the rationale behind sharing a stage with someone who had allegedly harmed his family.

What is Kumaraswamy's stand? 

HD Kumaraswamy said, "When the BJP is not ready to take us into confidence, why should we support them? They must explain how they treated us regarding the padayatra. I'm hurt and it pains me. Preetham J Gowda is the one who tried to destroy the HD Devegowda family."

Furthermore, he said, "The BJP brings him on stage and makes him sit with me. Who is responsible for the distribution of those pen drives in Prajwal Revanna's case? Don't they know what happened in Hassan? Electoral alliance is different from politics."

Its a known fact when it comes to state, especially Old Mysore region No doubt @JanataDal_S is stronger than both @INCIndia & @BJP4Karnataka.

And when its comes to @hd_kumaraswamy and @JanataDal_S will never want to compromise with JDS Belt.

HDK knows who is playing what. pic.twitter.com/yv9MS9iuIH

— Madhu M (@MadhunaikBunty) July 31, 2024

BJP's Padayatra plan

The BJP had proposed a seven-day padayatra starting on August 3 to protest against the alleged wrongdoings of the Siddaramiah government. However, Kumaraswamy emphasized that the JD(S) had decided to withdraw from the event due to the state's current challenges.

Kumaraswamy highlighted the ongoing issues in Karnataka, saying, "The whole state has been shaken by rains, landslides, and crop destruction. We could face criticism if we do a padayatra in such a difficult situation. That's why we've withdrawn."

Questioning the benefit

Kumaraswamy questioned the benefits of the padayatra for the people of Karnataka. "What is the benefit to the people from this padayatra? The legal fight is important here. Only politics is not important for us. So, we don't even give moral support to the padayatra. Why should we support it when we are not trusted? Our party has strength from Bengaluru to Mysuru."