From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Sep 3: With widespread media speculation regarding the 'cold war' between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the ruling Congress party’s State Presiden6 Dr G Parameshwara as the reason for the latter’s absence during the recent and probably the final cabinet expansion at Raj Bhavan on Friday, the KPCC chief has clarified that he was suffering from viral fever and hence kept off the swearing in ceremony.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Sunday, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President scotched media reports over the widening differences between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on induction of three ministers in the Council of Ministers last week.
Dr Parameshwara on Sunday clarified that there was “no cold war” between him and the Chief Minister.
Dr Parameshwara’s absence during the swearing-in ceremony of three Congress ministers last Friday led to speculation in media that the relations between the State Party President and the Chief Minister had turned sour.
The KPCC chief said he was suffering from viral fever and therefore could not attend the swearing in ceremony at the Raj Bhavan.
Dr Parameshwara clarified that there were no differences between him and the Chief Minister.
"The Chief Minister and I have worked together for the last six and half years,’’ he said pointing out that he had served as the Home Minister in the Siddaramaiah government.
The Congress leader blamed the Opposition for spreading rumours about difference of opinion between him and the Chief Minister on the expansion of the State Cabinet.
Though they had suggested different names, they finally reached consensus on the expansion of the Cabinet, Dr Parameshwara said.
"Both of us are united to ensure that that the Congress party returns to power with a bigger mandate," Dr
Parameshwara said and mentioned that the Siddaramaiah ministry’s performance during the last four and half years and fulfilling of almost all election promises was a big plus for the party.
Dr Parameshwara made it clear that he and the Chief Minister were united to bring the party back to power again.
But partymen claimed that Dr Parameshwara was angry at the Chief Minister as he was not consulted and only Siddaramaiah’s close confidants were inducted into the Ministry.