Shivakumar Claims BJP-JDS Merger Imminent; Kumaraswamy Fires Back

• Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar claimed JDS is merging with BJP, simplifying the political landscape for Congress.
• Shivakumar stated JDS's lack of clear ideology and treating the party as private property is causing confusion among opposition candidates.
• Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy vehemently denied merger talks, challenging Shivakumar's administrative record.
• Kumaraswamy accused Shivakumar of 'extortion, looting, and commission-seeking' and overstepping official boundaries.
• Kumaraswamy criticized Shivakumar for meeting police officials in Ballari, calling it an 'encroachment' on other ministers' portfolios.

Why It Matters: Political tensions escalate in Karnataka as Shivakumar alleges BJP-JDS merger, drawing sharp rebuke from Kumaraswamy.