Kumaraswamy Alleges Smear Campaign Through Posters Targeting His Family In Karnataka

Union Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy has accused Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of orchestrating a smear campaign through defamatory posters targeting him and his family. The allegations have intensified political tensions in the state, with Kumaraswamy claiming that the ruling Congress is backing a coordinated effort to damage his public image.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Kumaraswamy expressed disappointment that such alleged tactics were continuing even after Shivakumar assumed the office of Chief Minister. He said he had expected a change in political conduct at the top leadership level, but claimed that “such mentality has not changed” despite the change in leadership.

Referring to the posters in question, Kumaraswamy alleged that they contained misleading claims about his family’s land holdings, including accusations that he and his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy owned large tracts of property. He rejected the allegations, stating that a portion of his land was acquired decades ago through legitimate means, while asserting that additional claims were politically motivated and intended to mislead the public.

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He also defended the property owned by his wife, former MLA Anita Kumaraswamy, stating that the land in her name was legally purchased and properly documented. Kumaraswamy said the posters were part of a broader attempt to damage his family’s reputation and questioned the conduct of those responsible, arguing that public office holders should maintain higher standards of political discourse.

Escalating his criticism, the Union Minister directly targeted the Chief Minister, asking whether such actions were appropriate for someone holding constitutional office. He said that attempts at character assassination through public campaigns were “unbecoming” of a Chief Minister and urged that any allegations should instead be addressed through legal and institutional mechanisms rather than public messaging.

Kumaraswamy further claimed that similar posters had also appeared against other political leaders, including BJP figures such as B.Y. Vijayendra and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy. He maintained that if any wrongdoing existed, it should be investigated lawfully rather than through what he described as organised smear campaigns.

Dismissing allegations of political manoeuvring against the ruling Congress, Kumaraswamy said his party, the JD(S), lacked the organisational strength and resources to engage in such operations. He also denied attempts to influence Congress legislators and attributed any speculation about political shifts to broader political dynamics. Concluding his remarks, he said he remained unfazed by the allegations and would continue focusing on issues related to farmers and public service.

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