Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar recently criticized Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy, claiming that the JD(S) leader's political survival hinges on his opposition to the Congress government. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on May 15, Shivakumar defended the Bidadi township project, which he noted was initiated by Kumaraswamy himself. He questioned Kumaraswamy's inaction during his tenure regarding land de-notification for the project, stating that if Kumaraswamy does not criticize the Congress, he cannot survive politically. Shivakumar also addressed the rising fuel prices, attributing them to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies and poor international relations, which he claims have negatively impacted ordinary citizens. He further criticized Modi's suggestions for people to reduce fuel usage and questioned the practicality of avoiding gold purchases for married women. Additionally, Shivakumar congratulated V. D. Satheesan on his appointment as chief minister of Kerala and expressed commitment to working with all alliance parties in Karnataka.