War of words erupts between Siddaramaiah and Kumaraswamy over social justice claims

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Sunday exchanged sharp accusations over caste politics, family dominance and claims of social justice, triggering a fresh political flashpoint in the state.

The war of words began after Kumaraswamy alleged that Siddaramaiah had invoked caste considerations to retain power . Dismissing the charge, the Chief Minister accused the Janata Dal (Secular) of being a family-run party and treating caste as a vote bank . He claimed that leadership within the JD(S) had remained confined to the family of its patriarch H D Deve Gowda , while asserting that the Congress had historically nurtured leaders from diverse communities, including the Vokkaligas and Dalits.

Siddaramaiah reiterated the Congress’s commitment to inclusive politics, arguing that future chief ministers from marginalised communities would emerge through his party’s platform. Kumaraswamy responded strongly on social media and later to reporters, accusing the Chief Minister of undermining Deve Gowda’s role in shaping his political career. He said Siddaramaiah owed his rise to positions such as Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister to the former Prime Minister’s support and questioned the sincerity of his social justice rhetoric. He also remarked that if social justice had truly guided Congress decisions, senior Dalit leader Mallikarjun Kharge would have become Chief Minister earlier.

The confrontation highlights the enduring importance of caste dynamics in Karnataka politics, where communities such as Vokkaligas, Kurubas, Lingayats and Dalits play a decisive role in electoral mobilisation. It also reflects the long-standing rivalry between the Congress and JD(S), former allies who have frequently turned adversaries in battles for regional dominance.

Political observers say the spat could influence future alliances and voter strategies, particularly as parties prepare for upcoming local body and Assembly elections. Reactions from rival parties were cautious, with leaders calling for restraint while signalling that the debate exposes deeper leadership and identity struggles. The episode underlines how regional leadership and caste equations continue to shape Karnataka’s political discourse and campaign narratives.