The political temperature in Karnataka rose several notches as Home Minister G. Parameshwara launched a pointed attack on H.D. Kumaraswamy, rejecting his assessment that a solitary incident reflects the collapse of the state’s administrative framework.
Kumaraswamy, the influential JD(S) supremo and ex-Chief Minister, had lambasted the Congress-led government, arguing that the episode laid bare systemic rot. But Parameshwara begged to differ, calling it a ‘cherry-picked narrative’ designed for electoral gains.
In an exclusive interview, the minister detailed the multifaceted reforms undertaken since the Congress assumed power. From recruiting thousands of constables to deploying advanced tech for crime prediction, the home department has been proactive, he said. Statistics from the state crime records bureau back his claims, showing a dip in violent crimes and faster case resolutions.
Reflecting on Kumaraswamy’s tenure, Parameshwara subtly reminded listeners of past governance lapses under JD(S)-BJP rule, including high-profile scandals that eroded public trust. ‘Those who speak of one incident should recall their own record,’ he quipped.
This spat underscores deeper fissures in Karnataka’s polarized politics. With by-elections looming, opposition leaders like Kumaraswamy are ramping up offensives to expose perceived weaknesses. Yet, Parameshwara remains unfazed, emphasizing sustained investments in women’s safety programs and rural patrolling as hallmarks of the current regime.
Observers note that such verbal duels often dominate headlines but rarely sway voter sentiment without concrete policy contrasts. As Parameshwara concluded, ‘Our work speaks louder than words—let results be the judge.’ The coming months will test if the government’s narrative holds sway amid intensifying scrutiny.