‘Not in my blood to feel threatened’, Shivakumar on spats with H.D. Kumaraswamy

Bengaluru, Aug 11 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday stated he was not threatened by the persistent ‘threats and criticisms’ by Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H. D. Kumaraswamy.Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said: “I put up with H.D. Kumaraswamy’s criticisms and threats for the last 2-3 years. But he lost it after his son’s loss in the elections. He is threatening to release documents about me. Let him release them. I am not the one who is threatened.” Asked why ‘personal verbal attacks’ are increasing between him and the Union Minister, the Congress leader said: “H.D. Kumaraswamy is the one who started it. He is talking in desperation after his son lost the election. I showed restraint as I had worked with him when he was the CM in the coalition government. I treated him like an elder brother, but I can’t take this anymore.” “D.K. Shivakumar is not threatened by his warnings. If he has proof, let him file a complaint. I do not say I have made my assets through agricultural income like him. I am as much a businessman as I am a politician. I purchase land as per my ability but haven’t taken any property by force as has been accused (of doing that). H.D. Kumaraswamy threatened to put me in jail… I have seen the jail. I am not threatened by such statements.”I have not come to