The Congress's OBC Department has recommended Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as one of the members of its Advisory Council, reviving a debate on the CM change in Karnataka once again. While Siddaramaiah claimed it had nothing to do with him entering national politics, opposition Bharatiya Janata Party claimed that the Congress top leadership decision is perceived as a hint that the CM would vacate the position.
There has been gossip within political circles, particularly in the ruling Congress party, for quite some time now about a likely shift in the chief minister later this year, alleging a power-sharing deal between Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar. A letter signed by Anil Jaihind, chairman of All India Congress Committee (OBC Dept), suggested the names of 24 individuals in the panel and requested the AICC president's sanction.
"I am suggesting names for Advisory Council for the OBC Department AICC for your good self's kind consideration and approval please," Jaihind wrote in a June 9 letter, which came into the public domain only on Sunday.
Apart from Siddaramaiah, other faces suggested for the council are Congress MLC BK Hariprasad, former chief ministers Ashok Gehlot, Bhupesh Baghel and Veerappa Moily.
Congress leaders asserted that Siddaramaiah would be at the helm of the advisory panel.
Responding to the news, Siddaramaiah on Sunday asserted that he had no previous information regarding the decision and learned through reports in the media. "I don't know about it. I also read it in the newspapers. You (media) have reported it. I will talk to the high command," the CM informed mediapersons.
Also read: I will remain CM, says Siddaramaiah; Shivakumar toes party line
Siddaramaiah also said that the Congress OBC president had asked him to organise a meeting in Karnataka, which is to be held on July 15.
When asked if he would accept the charge, he replied, "Should I flee when the charge is handed to me? I had not applied myself for this job and knew nothing about it. The party high command has announced it. I will meet them." Elaborating, he stated the appointment was unrelated to him transitioning to national politics.
"I don't have any information. What is the post, to begin with? Various newspapers have employed different designations," he said.
On his part, addressing the media persons in Mysuru, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra said, "Siddaramaiah will soon quit as chief minister. AICC general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala had recently come to Bengaluru and laid the foundation for this. Nominating Siddaramaiah to the All India Backward Class Advisory Committee indicates that he has been told to quit and move to Delhi." Concurring with the same, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "I believe the plan is to induct Siddaramaiah into national politics and make him relinquish the CM's chair. The development seems sudden." He further stated that a sitting chief minister would not be able to manage such an assignment.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the population of OBCs in the country is big and diverse.
"OBCs at the national level are Vokkaligas and Lingayats. OBC Advisory Committee meeting is being organised to put the backward communities in focus," he informed the media at Bizzahalli, Kanakapura Taluk.
Attacking the BJP's allegation that the proposal is a step towards thrusting Siddaramaiah into national politics, Shivakumar had said, "The party has multiple wings for minorities, Scheduled Castes and others. Jains and Sikhs are also minorities. If BJP is not criticising them, then let them be satisfied. Criticisms come and go, work is persistent." As the Congress is ruling Karnataka, he had proposed conducting the meeting of the advisory committee at the KPCC office, which was accordingly convened. "Over 40 leaders from all over the state will be coming," he added.
Home Minister G Parameshwara ruled out reports that Siddaramaiah was shifting to national politics.
"Just because Siddaramaiah's name has come up as a proposal for the Backward Classes Advisory Committee doesn't mean he is looking to shift to national politics," he said.
Parameshwara clarified that the nomination was largely due to his long term experience and dedication to backward communities. "Since he is one of the most veteran leaders here, the task was entrusted to him," he stated. He also pointed out that some of the leaders of Karnataka had previously had such responsibilities at the national level.
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