Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 10: Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel and senior JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy will lead a major protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on April 12, targeting the Congress-led Karnataka government over rising prices and alleged financial mismanagement. The announcement was made by Nikhil Kumaraswamy, State President of the JD(S) Youth Wing, at a press conference held at the party office on Wednesday.

Nikhil, the son of HD Kumaraswamy, said the protest is part of a broader campaign titled ‘Saakappa Saaku Congress Government’, meaning "Enough is Enough of the Congress Government". He said the agitation will reflect the voice of every Kannadiga who is bearing the brunt of price hikes and administrative failures.

“Under the Congress regime, the public is being continuously burdened through steep price increases and lack of governance. The situation has triggered widespread distress across Karnataka,” he stated.

Nikhil urged not only JD(S) party workers but also concerned citizens across the state to participate in the protest. He also announced the launch of an online platform through which people can register and join the movement.

He accused the government of pushing Karnataka into a state of financial emergency, alleging that the state is witnessing a developmental standstill under the Congress administration. “Basic infrastructure has collapsed, and not even a rupee has been contributed toward genuine progress,” he added.

Nikhil further thanked Basavaraj Rayareddy, Congress MLA and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s economic advisor, for publicly acknowledging the level of corruption in the state. “When even the CM’s advisor admits that Karnataka ranks number one in corruption, it is a direct reflection of the government’s inefficiency,” Nikhil said.

He noted that despite promises made through various guarantee schemes, funds have only been disbursed during elections or bypolls, and even then, selectively in just a few constituencies. “One MLA from Congress even threatened to cancel the schemes if people didn’t vote for their party. This is nothing but exploitation,” he claimed.

Clarifying his stand, Nikhil said the JD(S) is not against the concept of guarantees, but opposed to the non-transparent and inconsistent implementation of such schemes. “Even Congress legislators are questioning the execution. The government simply lacks the resources to fulfil these promises month after month,” he added.

Commenting on the alliance with the BJP, Nikhil reiterated that the tie-up was a strategic decision taken by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, based on national interests and inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “This is not a merger. The JD(S) remains an independent party built by the sweat and efforts of thousands of dedicated workers,” he stated.

Present at the event were former minister Venkatarav Naadagowda, MP Mallesh Babu, JD(S) Legislative Party leader Suresh Babu, MLA Swaroop Prakash, and former MLC KA Tippeswamy, all of whom extended support for the upcoming protest.