H D Kumaraswamy Becomes Karnataka’s Main Opposition Figure as BJP Lags Behind

H D Kumaraswamy, the state chief of Janata Dal (Secular) and a Union minister, has taken over as the most outspoken critic of the D K Shivakumar‑led Congress government in Karnataka. His heightened focus on state issues is being read as a strategy to boost JD(S) prospects ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. While the BJP remains the largest opposition party, its internal leadership vacuum has let Kumaraswamy dominate the political battlefield. Kumaraswamy has repeatedly challenged the government on a string of matters, including the Bidadi township plan, the Bengaluru‑Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC/NICE) project, alleged irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission recruitments, and a recent sting‑video scandal. Each of these attacks has drawn sharp replies from Shivakumar and other senior ministers. The former chief minister’s solo push, especially his series of press briefings accusing Shivakumar of operating a "factory" for sting videos, has unsettled some BJP leaders who fear the JD(S) might drift apart from the alliance before the next polls. A senior JD(S) figure linked Kumaraswamy’s rise to his long‑standing rivalry with Shivakumar, noting both belong to the Vokkaliga community and have only briefly cooperated during the 2018‑19 coalition. BJP insiders admit the party has ceded ground, pointing to Kumaraswamy’s protest outside the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner's office and his campaigns on KPSC and NICE issues as examples of his more effective outreach. Nonetheless, BJP parliamentary board chief and former chief minister B S Yediyurappa reaffirmed the alliance, saying both parties will continue fighting the “corrupt” government to win power in 2028. Congress spokesperson Ramesh Babu accused the RSS of using Kumaraswamy to undermine the state government, labeling his tactics as “hit‑and‑run” and insisting none of his allegations will hold up.

Context

Karnataka’s political scene is shaped by a rivalry between two Vokkaliga leaders, which often drives opposition strategies. The JD(S)‑BJP alliance, formed to keep the Congress out, now faces internal strain as each partner seeks greater visibility before the 2028 elections.