After the call for a bandh on August 2 in 13 districts of North Karnataka by a newly formed outfit, Bharatiya Janata Party has inclined its voice in support of the demand of a separate statehood for North Karnataka.
The budget proposed by Chief Minister and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy for Karnataka was dubbed as “south Karnataka budget” or “old Mysore region budget” by unknown organizations. BJP supported the allegations made by these groups. Umesh Katti and B Sriramulu, North Karnataka BJP leaders backed the demand of the outfits claiming the need of separate statehood for the region accusing Kumaraswamy of favoring south Karnataka, reported News18.
Kumaraswamy counterattacked BJP and slammed it for spewing lies in North Karnataka. He alleged that BJP is jealous just because it failed to form a government in the state. He also claimed that the farm loan waiver provided by his government has been more in favour of the north Karnataka farmers than the southern farmers. The CM got riled up and criticized the north Karnataka citizens for not voting for him during the state assembly elections. He said they should have voted for him if they want benefits from him now.
BS Yeddyurappa, BJP senior member and leader of the opposition attacked Kumaraswamy for letting power rule him and advised him to speak on behalf of the whole state.
JDS formed a coalition government with the Congress party in the state. Congress accused BJP of trying to divide the state to gain in the coming 2019 general elections. It also chided Kumaraswamy for speaking against the North Karnataka voters as they voted for Congress, their ally.
Kumaraswamy said, “The BJP is so desperate for power at the Centre. It is now dividing the Kannadigas in the name of a separate state. It will backfire and they will pay for it dearly.”