We tried to give representation to all castes, says Siddaramaiah

Hubballi: Former Chief Minister and new Badami MLA, Siddaramaiah finally arrived in his constituency on a four-day visit on Thursday. 

 It may be noted that Mr Siddaramaiah had contested from both Chamundeshwari in Mysuru and Badami and won by a thin margin against B. Sriramulu of the BJP. Soon after the victory, people of the taluk were expecting him to visit Badami, however according to district Congress leaders, Mr. Siddaramaiah could not make it as he was busy in activities concerning the formation of the coalition government. 

Addressing mediapersons in Badami, he said that he is grateful to people of Badami for making him win and giving him a chance to serve them. He said that he will hold meetings with local leaders and officials on developmental projects that could be implemented in Badami.

To a question on whether the Congress has sidelined him, Mr Siddaramaiah replied in the negative saying that the party has made him the Congress legislature party(CLP) leader.

Asked about many MLAs such as M. B. Patil who is believed to be close to him, being denied minister posts, Mr Siddaramaiah said that the decision to induct any MLA into the cabinet is the prerogative of the Congress High Command.  "As far as I am concerned, for me every Congress MLA is close to me, however since I don't have the full authority to decide on who should be inducted into the government, the high command takes the final call", he said.

On several Congress legislators expressing dissatisfaction after being denied cabinet berths, Mr Siddaramaiah said that it is common in any coalition government.

" Since it is not possible to induct many MLAs of one party into the Cabinet in a coalition government, dissatisfaction is bound to happen. However within its limitations, the Congress has tried its best to give representation to all castes and communities", he said.