Karnataka: BJP minister, Cong MP clash again in Ramnagar

BENGALURU: A year after both Congress MP D.K. Suresh and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Minister for Higher Education Dr Ashwathnarayan almost came to blows on stage at a public function, the two leaders got involved in another argument on Thursday in Ramnagar at the inaugural function of District Hospital.

The BJP Minister came under fire from Congress Lok Sabha member D.K. Suresh over non adherence to protocol before things calmed down.

D.K. Suresh is the younger brother of president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) D.K. Shivakumar.

The inaugural function of the District Hospital in Ramnagar was scheduled on Thursday and Congress Lok Sabha member D.K. Suresh arrived with his questioned if the Deputy Commissioner was not present.  When Minister for Health D. Sudhakar tried to intervene, Suresh said “Hey, Minister you stay here?”

Sudhakar was silent until Suresh questioned Deputy Commissioner Ashwathnarayan over the protocol that was supposed to be followed for him.

In response to it, the Minister said “No need to fight over it” which angered the supporters of the MP. His supporters alleged that the government function has turned into a BJP function.

The MP told the Minister “You are a Minister and being a former Deputy Chief Minister what instructions have you given to the officials concerned?” Ashwathnarayan said “What instructions?” and to which Suresh replied that the invitation over inauguration of the District Hospital has been sent to him in the night before the function.

The Minister stated “Who asked you not to attend the function?” and protocol has been followed. However, the Minister asked the MP to join in the inaugural function. A visibly upset MP calmed down and went to attend the function.