Karnataka: Kumaraswamy hints at quitting politics after JDS-Cong coalition topples, says became CM "accidentally"

Weeks after the collapse of the 14-month-old Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka, former CM HD Kumaraswamy has said he is thinking of leaving politics. Kumaraswamy's government crumbled down after the coalition lost the trust vote in the Karnataka assembly to BJP earlier in July following the weeks-long heated power struggle. 

Speaking to media, the JD(S) leader said that he is thinking of going away from politics, adding that he entered politics and became CM "accidentally". 

"I'm thinking of going away from politics. I came to politics accidentally. I became CM accidentally. God gave me the opportunity to become CM twice. I wasn't there to satisfy anyone. In 14 months I did good work towards the state's development. I'm satisfied," said the former Karnataka CM as quoted by news agency ANI.

He further added that he does not want to continue politics, asserting that he was to live in peace. 

"I'm observing where today's politics is going. It's not for good people, it's about caste infatuation. Don't bring in my family. I'm done. Let me live in peace. I don't have to continue in politics. I did good when I was in power. I want space in people's heart," he added. 

READ | Karnataka: JD(S) MLAs Favour External Support To Yediyurappa Government, Kumaraswamy To Take Final Decision, Says G T Devegowda

BJP wins trust vote

In July, the Congress-JD(S) coalition government failed the floor test making way for the BJP to form the government in the state. BJP's Yediyurappa took oath as the CM of Karnataka for the fourth time after the party proved its majority in the floor of the assembly. 

'Accidental CM Kumaraswamy' 

Former Kannada films Producer HD Kumaraswamy was 36 when he decided to enter politics. With his father Deve Gowda being the CM of Karnataka at that time, Kumaraswamy contested the Lok Sabha election from Rural Bengaluru's Kanakapura constituency and won the seat. He went onto become the Chief Minister of Karnataka on February 4, 2006. However, his CM stint was short-lived with his tenure ending on October 9, 2007. Kumaraswamy sworn-in as the CM for the second time on May 23, 2018. However, after the massive fistfight and resignations from over 15 Congress-JD(S) MLA, Kumaraswamy had to step down as the CM after losing the trust vote in assembly. 

READ | ​​​​​​​Karnataka: As Kumaraswamy's Government Falls, Congress Goes On 'death Of Democracy' Overdrive And Attacks BJP