'Can democracy be preserved through human chain?' Kumaraswamy asks Congress govt in Karnataka

Bengaluru: JD(S) leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Monday took a dig at the Congress government in Karnataka for holding a massive human chain in the name of democracy, while questioning the delay over holding the polls to local bodies, which are "fundamental pillars of democracy".

He urged the government to announce elections for local bodies.

Karnataka government on Sunday marked the 'International Day of Democracy' by forming a 'historic' 2,500-km-long human chain across the state, as a symbol of equality, unity, fraternity, and participative governance.

"In the guise of promoting human welfare you (government) formed a human chain. The Congress government in Karnataka shows no concern for democracy. If they did, they would first conduct elections for local bodies. Since coming to power, they have not conducted elections for the fundamental pillars of democracy -- the zilla and taluk panchayat and the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike). Why?," Kumaraswamy questioned in a post on 'X'.

"Just because you have come to power, does it mean that the local governments should be ignored, while you parade around the Vidhana Soudha?" he asked.

Noting that CM Siddaramaiah has been in power for a year and four months (since May 20, 2023), the JD(S) state president said, "Yet, local body elections have not been conducted. Your (CM/govt) democracy and people-oriented approach seem only to shine in advertisements! Your actions are more about propaganda than actual governance."

"Can democracy be preserved through the human chain? Is the misuse of taxpayers money an embellishment for democracy?" he further questioned, demanding "First, announce local body elections. Strengthen the true democratic chain. #SaveDemocracy."