Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday has accused the BJP of creating confusion about CM change in Karnataka and asked his cabinet colleagues to not make any statements on the issue. He also claimed that the BJP and JD(S) were “frustrated” as their dream of forming a government, soon after the May Assembly elections, did not come true.
“BJP and JD(S) are in frustration. They had thought about forming a government together, but as it did not happen, they are frustrated,” Siddaramaiah said in response to a question from reporters.
The BJP is creating confusion regarding the chief minister change, he said.
“They are the ones who are doing it….I have told our people not to speak or make comments about it. Yesterday, I called a breakfast meeting along with discussion on Parliamentary elections. I have also asked them not to make such statements and instead focus on their respective departments,” Siddaramaiah said, as quoted by PTI.
Ever since this government came to power, there have been claims and counter claims within the Congress party about the chief minister being changed, saying Siddaramaiah may have to make way for Deputy Chief Minister and state party president D K Shivakumar after two-and-half years of this dispensation.
On Thursday, Siddaramaiah’s statement that he would hold office for a full five year term has created flutters in Congress circles, with several party legislators and ministers commenting or making claims.
A day later, the CM, blaming the media for misquoting him, clarified that he would go by whatever the party high command decides.
With the episode denting the government’s image, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had breakfast with Cabinet colleagues on Saturday, who were advised to focus on their respective departments and Lok Sabha polls, and stop speaking out of turn on the leadership issue.