Don’t cross swords with Governor, Siddaramaiah told

Bangalore: Taking serious note of the growing rift between Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj and the state government, Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka Digvijay Singh on Saturday reportedly advised leaders including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah not to cross swords with the resident of Raj Bhavan.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior leader in the party quoted Singh as saying, “The government can not be at loggerheads with the Governor irrespective of his comments or criticism of the government. He has every right to do so. It is up to you to reconcile with him. Ahead of elections (to Lok Sabha), we cannot afford to face people with such kind of hostility.”

Meanwhile, sources in the party said Singh heard complaints from many state unit leaders and legislators about the style of functioning of Siddaramaiah and some ministers about how they were taking unilateral decisions.

“Most of the issues raised by these leaders were the same complaints that had been raised during meetings of the Congress legislature party (CLP), the sources added.

The sources said the leaders also alleged that the CM was encouraging corruption and one example was elevation of Chikkarayppa as of PWD secretary. Chikkarayappa has been facing Lokayukta probe.

“Though, Singh gave a patient hearing to everyone who complained against the CM and his colleagues, he did not give any assurance to anyone,” the sources added.

Meanwhile, expressing displeasure over growing complaints against him and his ministers, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly conveyed to Singh that neither his colleagues nor himself had done any wrong.

He clarified that he and his colleagues implemented only ethical and legally-correct decisions. “We cannot afford to do accede to every request that they come up with. It will be disastrous if we start clearing every file they bring,” the CM reportedly shot back when he heard these complaints.

Besides, Bellary district leaders led by DCC president Anjaneyalu demanded expulsion of former Member of Parliament K. C. Kondaiah for his alleged involvement in a land case in Bellary.