'Corrupt land grabber': Kumaraswamy hits back at D K Shivakumar over 'BJP-JD(S) merger' remark

New Delhi: The war of words between Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Union Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy continued on Friday, with the latter calling the former "corrupt" and "a land grabber."

In a post on X, the JD(S) leader said, "Corruption, extraction, collecting commission, fixing, and forceful grabbing are not my experiences. Like land grabbing, you are an expert in encroaching upon another minister's portfolio."

"I don't have these experiences. I am a small politician. Due to God's grace, I will try to help people who came to me seeking help," Kumaraswamy wrote.

"You may be DCM. But don't you know what limits the power of the DCM? The DCM is like another minister and can only function as another. Do you think the DCM means extra horns and extra tails? This small issue is not known to you," Kumaraswamy posted.

The Union Minister was reacting to the Congress state president's latest statement that the Janata Dal (Secular) is on the verge of merging with the Bharatiya Janata Party and this will be good for the Congress. Shivakumar also called Kumaraswamy an inexperienced politician.

"Put aside the worry about our merger for now. Let's talk about my and your administrative experience. I was Chief Minister for two short terms and Leader of the Opposition for a brief period. Now, the central minister," Kumaraswamy said.

"You too have been an MLA for a long time, minister, many times. Now minister and deputy chief minister! About our administrative experience, it's not for you to say—you should ask the people," Kumaraswamy mocked Shivakumar.

Criticizing Shivakumar for holding a meeting with police officers in Ballari regarding recent violence, Kumaraswamy said the Congress leader must know the role of a minister before holding such a meeting.

The Home Minister himself should have held the meeting of police officers in Ballari. That's within his authority scope. If they skip it, the Chief Ministers can hold such a meeting. Shivakumar holding a meeting with police officers is a clear violation of authority, the JD(S) leader said.

"Did the Home Minister or CM tell you to go ahead and hold the meeting? No. That's why I questioned whether the state has a rubber-stamp Home Minister. Did you get any special constitutional amendment done to illegally encroach on another senior minister's portfolio like this? While you boast about having a lot of experience, why don't you know these things?" Kumaraswamy questioned.