CM Siddaramaiah connects with his clansmen during drought tour

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reportedly made the most of his visits to drought-hit districts to cement the relationship with fellow Kurubas, and to pass on a subtle message about their political stance in polls in future in case central leaders of Congress decide to jettison him before the completion of five-year term in office.

Speaking to DC, a senior leader said “In north Karnataka, Kurubas have reasonable presence in at least 50 per cent of the 110-odd constituencies. Unlike in Old Mysuru region, where Kurubas do not coalesce with Vokkaligas because of rivalry between JD (S) patriarch H. D. Deve Gowda and himself, Mr Siddaramaiah is trying to send a signal without being very vocal.” The leader said at one meeting, several leaders of Kuruba community, asked him about political uncertainty in state politics, and his response was cryptic: “Find your own solution during 2018 Assembly polls if I am not there (as CM).” In other words, the message was Kurubas should back Lingayats who are with the BJP. He said a similar message was passed on during Assembly polls in 2008 when the state unit was headed by veteran leader M. Mallikarjuna Kharge. He told Kurubas to ensure the defeat of JD(S) candidates, a move which benefited BJP rather than Congress. The BJP won 23 seats wherever Kurubas have significant presence.

“All these 23 MLAs came to meet Mr Siddaramaiah once election results were announced,” the leader added.