HD Ravindra Slams Congress for Exploiting Deve Gowda's Legacy After Karnataka Rajya Sabha Ticket Controversy

A fresh political controversy has erupted in Karnataka following the Rajya Sabha ticket selection by the BJP, with JD(S) leader HD Ravindra accusing the Congress of exploiting the legacy of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda to create discord in the JD(S)-BJP alliance. The controversy arose after the BJP initially considered two candidates from the Gowda community, including Deve Gowda and Sadananda Gowda, but eventually settled on Mandya Mayor Sumanthra Ambareesh. Ravindra, who cast his vote in the Karnataka Legislative Council election on Thursday, sarcastically remarked that the BJP had 'put a cap' on Ambareesh and expressed sympathy for her, suggesting she deserved the ticket. Speaking to media at the Vidhana Soudha, Ravindra highlighted that Deve Gowda had previously resigned from the Prime Minister's post without seeking forgiveness, implying that he would not stoop to contest for a Rajya Sabha seat. Meanwhile, Union Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy had earlier clarified that Deve Gowda had not even applied for the Rajya Sabha ticket, accusing Congress leaders of using misplaced sympathy for Deve Gowda to drive a wedge between the JD(S) and the BJP. The exchange underscores ongoing tensions in Karnataka's coalition politics as the state prepares for upcoming electoral battles.