Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jun 4: Former minister, Ramalinga Reddy, expressed his resentment at the way party leaders are handling the issues. In his twitter account, he mentioned that the Congress party faced ignominious defeat in the Lok Sabha election because of overlooking of seniors and also on account of lack of organizational foresightedness. He said inefficiency of some ministers and neglect towards certain suggestions given by elders had also contributed to the party's poor performance.

Speaking to media persons, Reddy pointed out that Shivakumar and Parameshwar has become minster for the fourth time, while Deshpande has become minister over five times. He wanted to know his fault due to which he was not considered for being made a minister. He also blamed a few leaders of taking decisions unilaterally and then imposing them on everyone else. He felt that if the elders continue to be neglected a time may come when they might leave the party.

"After the coalition government was formed, I remained tight-lipped for six months. At last, I spoke to the media in December last where I just talked about partiality prevailing in the party where seniors are neglected. He said he has never approached leaders seeking ministerial position so far.

"The usual norm followed by the parties is to consider seniority when picking ministers. I was told that youngsters need to be accommodated. But now there are many who are senior to me in the cabinet. I wanted to know why I am deprived of the post. They said Reddy community has already been accommodated. I had asked how they could give seats to four Brahmins and two Lingayats," he said, pointing out that partiality continues to rule.

He said it would be wrong on his part if he remains silent even after observing wrong things happening within the party. He said that party workers had lost their enthusiasm because of lack of communication and relationship between ministers and activists. He felt that to handle the challenges ahead, the party should handle the neglect of seniors. "If the party had give me the due respect and value, I need not have approached the media," he explained.