Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recently made a public announcement during a campaign rally in Channapatna where he revealed that he has donated 25 acres of land in three different places in Kanakapura to improve the quality of education in his constituency. He used this opportunity to challenge the Deve Gowda family by questioning if they have made similar contributions in their hometowns of Hassan, Ramanagara, or Channapatna, highlighting a potential lack of philanthropic endeavors by his political rivals.
In response to allegations made by Deve Gowda regarding Shivakumar asking for money in exchange for land for a school, Shivakumar refuted these claims by challenging Deve Gowda to inquire with relatives in Kanakapura to confirm the extent of land donations made by his family. Additionally, he criticized Union Minister Kumaraswamy for what he perceived as a lack of contribution to the development of Channapatna, questioning the construction of temples and provision of basic amenities in the region.
During his speech, Shivakumar also questioned the electoral legitimacy and commitment of HD Kumaraswamy's son, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, to the Channapatna constituency, emphasizing his own successful electoral history in Kanakapura and asserting his dedication to addressing the concerns of the people in the region. Furthermore, he countered allegations made by Kumaraswamy about not facilitating the establishment of industries by offering large tracts of land for industrial purposes if the Union Minister was willing to take the necessary steps for industrial development in the area.
The political discourse surrounding the upcoming bypolls in Channapatna on November 13, with Congress candidate CP Yogeshwara pitted against NDA candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy, adds a heightened sense of urgency and significance to Shivakumar's strategic positioning and assertions. The broader context of these developments reflects the broader political landscape in India as various states prepare for crucial by-elections alongside the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections, highlighting the intense electoral activities leading up to the voting days in November.