Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, May 20: Former deputy Chief Minister of the state Siddaramaiah sought to dismiss the widespread perception that he has been blocking the induction of former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswami into the union cabinet. "The issue of choosing ministers is the prerogative of the Prime Minister and All India Congress Committee president Sonia Gandhi," he clarified. He was speaking after presiding over the meeting of the Public Accounts Committee of the legislature, held at Vidhan Soudha here on Tuesday May 19.

Siddaramaiah also asserted that the Congress Party will not own unconstitutional means to dislodge the state government led by the BJP.  "Everything will move as per the constitutional requirements. We do not believe in anything that is unconstitutional," he clarified.

To a query, he said the Congress will introspect about the less than expected performance of his party in the Lok Sabha election. He felt, not adhering to a publicity plan and lack of resources worked to the disadvantage of the party. He felt, it would be wrong to conclude that the people of the state have supported the functioning of Chief Minister Yeddyurappa.  "The BJP indulged in spreading malicious propaganda systematically and misguided the citizens," he asserted.

While agreeing that there is some dissidence in the Congress, he hastened to add that the differences are not deep enough to wedge a divide between its top leaders.  As regards offering to him the post of opposition leader in the assembly, Siddaramaiah said, the party high command had not discussed this issue with him and that electing a leader is the choice left to the legislators of the party.