Daijworld Media Network - Mysuru (SP)

Mysuru, Oct 22: Deputy chairman of Karnataka State Planning Comission, C M Ibrahim, who has been considered to be close to chief minister, Siddaramaiah, surprisingly took the latter to task openly. Speaking here on Friday October 21, Ibrahim commented that Siddaramaiah now is not what he was in the past, and that he had changed along with the system.

Speaking to media persons here, Ibrahim remarked that the administrative machinery in the state has collapsed and people have been going through a sense of insecurity. He felt that Siddaramaiah has failed to provide satisfactory administration.

"The chief minister has changed with the system around him. Officials too have changed over time. I continue to have a cordial and close relationship with the chief minister. I have been giving advice to him on various issues," he claimed.

Ibrahim used this opportunity to heap praises on former Prime Minister, H D Deve Gowda. "Gowda had given a good administration as the Prime Minister. He alone can match his eminence and efficiency," he commented. He also expressed the feeling that a time has come for like-minded people to come together, without elaborating further. This comment has raised many eyebrows and made people to speculate on Ibrahim's future moves.

Ibrahim's comments have created ripples in political circles because of the fact that he happens to be close to Siddaramaiah and had never openly criticized him in the past.