Hubballi: Former chief minister Siddaramaiah vent his ire against central leaders of his party for picking Pratap Chandra Shetty over his candidate and former minister S R Patil for the post of Chairman of the Legislative Council.
He told the media during a visit to Badami, his home constituency, that he supported the candidature of Mr Patil for the Chairman's post and would ensure adequate representation to north Karnataka region during forthcoming expansion of the ministry. Stating that he had taken all steps to prevent dissidence in the party at time of cabinet expansion during his tenure, he said he has to walk a tight rope in the coalition government. "The question of satisfaction and displeasure does not arise in politics. It is true that I had proposed the name of Mr Patil for chairmanship of the Council. But our central leaders decided to appoint Pratap Chandra Shetty. I will ensure that all regions including north, south and coastal Karnataka get representation during expansion of the cabinet," he added.
While responding to the statement of KPCC president Dinesh Gundurao about the possibility of either cabinet expansion or reshuffle, he retorted: "why do you ask it to me? You ask him (KPCC president)".
Challenging BJP leaders to hand over the probe into Rafale jet deal to joint parliamentary committee, he maintained that the Supreme Court has not categorically ruled that BJP has not engaged in corruption in the case. Accusing the Union government of enacting a drama in the Rafale deal, he recalled that Bofors scandal was also assigned to a joint parliamentary committee during the tenure of late PM Rajiv Gandhi.
He also said contrary to claims by the Opposition, the government would complete its term in office.
