Hassan: He ascended the Chief Minister's gaddi twice, but is it a case of crown of thorns which has prompted H D Kumaraswamy to contemplate a break from politics?
Saturday was not the first time the former chief minister said he's contemplating to step away from politics. He spoke about such a move whenever his party failed to win adequate number of seats to form a government of its own. So, his latest grouse: the present political scenario in which caste and influence play a key role and politicians resorting to cunning games to satiate their greed for power.
Mr Kumaraswamy told the media in K R Pet in Mandya district: “I entered politics by accident but was elected the Chief Minister twice. It was a god-send opportunity.”
Commenting on the new BJP government headed by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, the former CM mocked at the BJP leader, saying the people had watched the political drama unfold in Karnataka last month, and will decide whom to support at an appropriate time. “Ours (JDS-Congress coalition) was an unholy government but there is a holy government functioning in the State. Let them run the Government, let’s see who will become holy?" he added. On the possibility of his son, Nikhil, contesting Assembly bypoll in K R Pet constituency, former minister Sa Ra Mahesh stated that there was no move to field Nikhil Kumaraswamy by either the former chief minister or national leaders of JD (S). “There is pressure from a section of the party workers to field Nikhil but his candidature for KR Pet is ruled out.”
Mr Mahesh said: "A honest party worker who has worked for the party will be the candidate.”
