Daijiworld Media Network - Haveri (SP)
Haveri, Oct 8: Resorting to Twitter to air his grievances, Hirekerur MLA, B C Patil, severely criticised Congress for frequent postponement of ministry expansion. He spewed venom at the party leadership, saying that Congress legislators are being insulted by not picking up able candidates for being made ministers. He also tagged his tweet to All India Congress Committee president, Rahul Gandhi, deputy chief minister, Dr G Parameshwar, former chief minister, Siddaramaiah, and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, Dinesh Gundu Rao. In his tweet, he demanded to give the posts of the ministers to eligible legislators.
The tweet by B C Patil, who has been a strong contender for being accommodated in the ministry, has shaken the political circles. Patil stated that this is tantamount to murder of democracy and termed it as authoritarian rule in the name of the party.
B C Patil
Speaking to media persons at Hirekerur on Sunday, Patil explained that he had shared his pain with others. "I have served the party since the last several years. The leaders should desist from frequently putting off ministry expansion like they have been doing since the last three months, and give the ministerial berths to able candidates, he urged.
"Only a few are getting prominence in this coalition government. Administration has been confined to the chief minister and deputy chief minister. Is this justified? What message this government wants to convey to the society?" he wanted to know.
Patil said that Hirekerur constituency has not been given ministerial post since the last 37 years, duly pointing out that in the entire Haveri district he happens to be the only Congress MLA. He further pointed out that among Haveri, Gadag and Dharwad districts, he is the only candidate from Sadhu Lingayat sect, which has its presence in ten districts. "This community is unhappy at not being considered for the ministry. The party is bracing up for Lok Sabha election. What can I say to people who question me about not being made a minister, when I seek votes from them? The leaders who in the past gave reasons like Ashada and Shravana months, Pitr Paksha etc, are now putting up the lame excuse of bypoll to deprive ministerial berths to legislators who are waiting," he thundered.
Patil however, clarified that even if he is not made a minister, he will be with Congress party. He added that he was with this party earlier, and will remain with it henceforth too.