Udupi: 'Siddu should reveal 'deal' with Rahul Gandhi over induction of tainted MLAs'

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Jan 6: BJP state president Prahlad Joshi on Monday January 6 alleged that there was a 'deal' between chief minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress high command regarding induction of tainted MLAs D K Shivakumar and Roshan Baig into the state cabinet.

Speaking to reporters during his visit to Sri Krishna Math here, Joshi said, "We are sure there was a direct deal between chief minister Siddaramaiah and AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi during cabinet formation. The Congress must reveal this deal to the public."

"Siddaramaiah had promised to provide a corruption-free administration, but now he has gone back on his word. The dignity and sanctity of Vidhana Soudha must be upheld. We are not living in the times of kings and emperors, but under a democratic system of governance, and the chief minister should make this fact known to his ministers," he said.

Asked to comment on B S Yeddyurappa's re-entry into BJP, Joshi said, "When Yeddyurappa faced allegations after the Lokayukta probe, the BJP high command took a decision and asked him not to continue as chief minister. We are clear on our stand with regard to induction of D K Shivakumar and Roshan Baig into the ministry. Despite facing allegations of corruption, they have been given cabinet berths. This is a weapon for them to save themselves. We are not opposed to their inclusion in the Congress party but including them in the ministry is not acceptable.

"Secondly, Siddaramaiah had said that he would not include any tainted MLA in his ministry and his body language too indicated that he did not want such ministers. But when it came to choosing between his belief and pressure from high command, he chose to please the Congress high command in order to save his CM post. The media had reported that D K Shivakumar and Roshan Baig were inducted due to pressure from Rahul Gandhi. Why did Siddaramaiah bow to the pressure without any resistance?" he said.

"We demand to know what was the deal between Siddaramaiah and Rahul Gandhi. The chief minister has lost the trust of the people by taking this decision," he added.

He also criticized the Congress for using foul language against BJP Prime Minsterial candidate Narendra Modi. "By calling Modi a mass murderer, the Congress is in danger of losing whatever little seats it hopes to win in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections," he said.

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