Bangalore: Dissent in Congress: Siddu Resigns in Protest of MLC Seat Allotment

Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Jun 1: Even as dissent in Karnataka BJP showed signs of ending, the opposition camp boiled with troubles with state assembly opposition leader Siddaramaih reportedly sending his resignation from the post, to assembly speak Boppaiah on Friday Jun 1.

On Thursday, Congress state chief Dr Parameshwar finalised the list of candidates for the upcoming MLC elections. It is reported that Siddaramaih's close aide, former civil aviation minister C M Ibrahim has been denied ticket, despite a promise from the high command.

Angered by the decision by the state chief, Siddaramaiah has decided to step down as the leader of opposition in protest against the high command.

The election for the state upper house will be held on June 11. A total of 11 seats are vacant, with at least four Congress candidates having the possibility of winning - Iqbal Ahmed Saradagi, Motamma, Govindraj, and M R Sitaram.

Inner Politics

The choice for one MLC seat was decided between C M Ibrahim and Iqbal Ahmed. Ibrahim was supported by Siddaramaih and central railway minister Muniyappa. But Iqbal Ahmed was backed by another central minister Mallikarjuna Kharge. Kharge has made heavy lobby in favour of Iqbal, because the latter had sacrificed his Lok Sabha seat for Kharge in the last parliamentary election. Kharge wanted to repay Iqbal for his favour.

Now Muniyappa has decided to take up this issue with Congress president Sonia Gandhi, and has reportedly promised Siddaramaiah that he would tell her that state leaders are not happy with C M Ibrahim bring left out.