Karnataka: Mallikarjun Kharge skirts queries on return to state

KALABURAGI: “You (the media) are trying to weaken my case by repeatedly asking me when I will return to state politics. I am tired of answering the query. I leave the decision (of drafting me to state politics) to the high command,” said senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s in response to the query.

During an interaction with the media here on Friday, Mr Kharge tried to evade a direct reply to the query whether his return to state politics was warranted in the wake of the defeat suffered by the Congress in the election to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagar Palike (BBMP). “The chief minister has owned responsibility for the defeat of the party and efforts are underway to analyse the causes ward-wise. The necessary steps will be taken to strengthen the party,” he added.

The senior Congress leader also declined to concur with the view “a feeling was gaining ground that the ruling party had failed to perform anywhere near peoples’ expectation”. “I don’t want to comment on that,” was his response.

Mr Kharge also feigned ignorance about the reported move to elevate Rahul Gandhi to the post of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. When a reporter expressed his indignation at the lackadaisical approach of the Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda to the severe drought conditions prevailing in the region, Mr Kharge hoped that the Chief Minister would take “corrective measures”.

To a query Mr Kharge expressed dissatisfaction over the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to the Kalasa-Banduri Nala row and sought his intervention in the matter. “The PM should intervene to direct the Goa CM to concede State’s demand. It’s not proper on the part of the PM to ask the Karnataka CM to speak to the Opposition Congress leaders in Goa and Maharashtra,” he added.

In response to a query Mr Kharge argued that it was not an ‘opportune time’ to convene the special session of the Parliament to deliberate upon some important bills including the GST Bill. “Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu met me in this regard. I told him that there was no meaning in convening the short duration session when the draft GST bill is not before us. I told him that these important bills, which the BJP proposes to discuss, could be taken up during the winter session of Parliament. However, I made clear to Mr Naidu that I will consult my high command on the issue before taking a decision,” he added.