Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy Clash Over Caste, Chair Politics in Karnataka

• Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy engaged in a sharp war of words over caste politics, family dominance, and social justice.
• Siddaramaiah dismissed Kumaraswamy’s allegation that he invoked caste for power, counter-attacking the JD(S) leadership for being 'family-centric' and using caste as a 'vote bank'.
• The CM asserted that Congress politically groomed Vokkaliga leaders and is committed to inclusivity, suggesting a Dalit CM could emerge through Congress.
• Kumaraswamy strongly refuted Siddaramaiah's claims, stating the charge was serious and accusing the CM of being a 'destroyer' of social justice.
• Kumaraswamy reminded Siddaramaiah that his political strength and position were 'gifts of Deve Gowda' and challenged him to vacate his chair if Congress truly nurtures Vokkaligas.