BENGALURU: The political slugfest between DCM DK Shivakumar and JDS state president HD Kumaraswamy continued on Friday and they called each other cowards.
Shivakumar campaigned for his younger brother and Congress candidate from the constituency of DK Suresh, while Kumaraswamy campaigned for his brother-in-law, Dr CN Manjunath, contesting on a BJP ticket.
Kumaraswamy alleged that Shivakumar distributed gift coupons to the electorate in the Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency in the night like a coward, as he could not face the elections.
On Rs 10,000 coupons allegedly being distributed to voters, Shivakumar said, “At least they (rivals) are fearing us. Kumaraswamy should have contested the elections in Bengaluru Rural. But he has run away to Mandya like a coward.” Kumaraswamy retorted, “Ranahedi (a coward) is not me, but those who feared contesting the election. The person who went in the night and distributed gift coupons with QR codes to the people is talking about cowardice.”
He said Rs 505, Male Mahadeshwara temple laddu and guarantee cards were distributed all night. Congress workers distributing the cards were stopped by JDS and BJP workers, and it was brought to the notice of the deputy commissioner and election officers. “They did not take any action. Free and fair elections are not being held in Bengaluru Rural. “ he charged.
Shivakumar said the party was only distributing ‘manifesto cards’. “Kumaraswamy doesn’t have any shame. He and Munirathna are giving out gold cards. We are only distributing our manifesto cards.” On IT raids on Congress workers, Shivakumar said, “An IT official asked a Congress block leader to join the BJP. They manhandled the wife and children of Suresh’s driver. I will meet the DG to file a complaint.”