Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 29: The campaign launched in social website supporting another term for chief minister (CM), Siddaramaiah, and veiled opposition expressed to the campaign by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Dr G Parameshwara ,have given rise to reactions both in support of the campaign and against it. While a number of people have been supportive of Parameshwara's stand, some others are strongly backing Siddaramaiah. The opponents of the campaign say that announcement of chief ministerial candidate in advance is against Congress traditions, others point out that the party high command has announced that the election wil be held under Siddaramaiah's leadership and it is but natural that those who lead the party during elections become chief ministers.

CM, Siddaramaiah, addressing a meeting at Pavagada, stressed on Thursday that Congress will rise to power again in the coming election and that he will become the chief minister for another term.

Veteran Congress leader and former union minister, C K Jaffer Sharief, reacting to the controversy, insisted that he is not opposed to Siddaramaiah becoming chief minister again for successive terms. He added that it is wrong to deviate from Congress traditions and announce the name of the next chief minister before the election. He stressed that it is incorrect to project a leader as prospective CM evenif it is done by Siddaramaiah himself, adding that party is always much bigger than individuals.

Speaking to media persons here on Thursday September 28, Jaffer Sharief stated that Congress follows certain traditions. "Running government is a task, and running party is another task. During elections, the party goes to people and hence the party follows its set principles. Everyone should abide by party's decision," he commented, advising Siddaramaiah to stop projecting himself as CM and run the government efficiently and earn the goodwill and faith of the people.

Another leader and MLA, K N Rajanna, said that he has been with Congress party since 1976 and that during every election, only the parliamentary party elects its leader, who will become the chief minister. "Everyone including me might claim oneself to be the next chief minister but such claims have no value," he stated.

MP, Dhruvanarayana, observed that Siddaramaiah will lead the party in the election and it is but natural for him to become chief minister again. He said that election of chief minister by parliamentary party is just a procedure, and asserted that Siddaramaiah,who has done excellent work, will become CM again.