Speaking at the India Today Roundtable, Janata Dal (Secular) Youth President Nikhil Kumaraswamy addressed key political developments in Karnataka and his party’s stance. Criticizing Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Kumaraswamy alleged that the Karnataka Congress government functions like a mafia and described Shivakumar as resembling the chief executive officer of a real estate firm. He raised concerns regarding land acquisition for the proposed artificial intelligence city in Bidadi, questioning why fertile agricultural land is being forcefully acquired despite ongoing farmer protests. On the NICE project issue, he questioned the government’s delay in acting on High Court directives. Addressing allegations of dynastic politics within JDS, Kumaraswamy asserted that regional parties often operate under family leadership while highlighting opportunities provided to non-family workers by founder H.D. Deve Gowda. Confirming his political plans, he declared that he will contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections from his home constituency of Ramanagara.