Union minister of Karnataka, HD Kumaraswamy has made serious allegations, claiming that the Karnataka Congress government is plotting to shut down the prestigious Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) plant in Mangaluru due to political differences with him, according to reports. Kumaraswamy, while speaking to the media in Channarayapatna, Hassan district, accused the state government of orchestrating a conspiracy to close the plant, which has provided employment to many.

"I have been a Union Minister for seven months. I have visited all the factories and companies under my two departments. My requests have been supported by Prime Minister Modi with a big heart. However, no one from the state has come to discuss matters with me," said Kumaraswamy, expressing his frustration.

He went on to say that the first decision he made as a minister was to save KIOCL. Kumaraswamy recalled his recommendation to the Finance Ministry for financial support to implement the Sandur Devadari mining project, which had been approved by the previous Siddaramaiah government in 2011. However, Congress leaders allegedly twisted the matter, obstructing his good efforts and sabotaging the project due to political rivalry.
Kumaraswamy directly accused the state Congress government of doing everything possible to shut down the KIOCL Mangaluru plant, and he expressed his sorrow over the job losses faced by hundreds of workers in the plant. He stated that these workers approached him with their grievances, blaming the state's political interference for their plight.