H.D. Kumaraswamy, the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, sharply criticized Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his remarks regarding family politics. Kumaraswamy stated that Siddaramaiah lacks the moral authority to discuss the issue, particularly after the premature death of Siddaramaiah's elder son. He questioned why Siddaramaiah's younger son, a doctor, was drawn into politics, suggesting ulterior motives behind his involvement. Kumaraswamy also pointed out that many political families, including that of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, have multiple members in politics. He defended former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, claiming that Gowda did not encourage his family to enter politics and opposed Kumaraswamy's initial election bid. Furthermore, Kumaraswamy accused Siddaramaiah of aiming to remain Chief Minister indefinitely, contrasting this with Siddaramaiah's past statements about retiring from electoral politics. The upcoming bypolls in Davangere South and Bagalkot will be critical in gauging public sentiment towards the Congress government ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.