DKS hits back at HDK over seers’ support issue

The fight over the Vokkaliga turf between Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy continued on Sunday.

After the latter hit out at the Vokkaliga seers coming out in support of the former’s chief ministerial ambitions, Mr. Shivakumar on Sunday justified the seer’s remarks and mocked Mr. Kumaraswamy over his support base.

“Mr. Kumaraswamy is a big leader. He does not take any support. He has never used the Vokkaliga community, Vokkaligara sangha, and seers. He does not even know how the Vokkaliga Mutt came into being. Who built it? Would H.D. Deve Gowda have become the Chief Minister if not for the Vokkaliga seers? Did the seers keep quiet when injustice was meted out to Sadananda Gowda? The seers speak on certain occasions. There is nothing wrong in it,” he said.

Asked about Mr. Kumaraswamy’s statement that he had never sought the support of the seers, Mr. Shivakumar asked, “Did I ask for support? I have not asked for anyone’s support. If they support you out of affection, can you say no? Though I am born in a particular community, I like and respect all communities.” He also pointed out at seers from other communities, including Balehonnur seer and Srisaila seer, also extending their support. “Jain seers have blessed me too,” he said.