From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Hassan, Mar 1: The ruling Congress party has no problems in selecting its Lok Sabha candidates, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday.
Speaking to media persons at Hassan, he said the Congress party is united and will announce the names of candidates at the right time.
Asked about the shouting of pro-Pakistan slogans in Vidhana Soudha after the counting of Rajya Sabha elections, he said the State Government will take action against the culprits if the allegations about the shouting of slogans is proved.
To a question of BJP opposition leader R Ashok’s demand for releasing the report of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report, he said the government knows what it must do and need wait for what the opposition wants.
“The FSL report will be released when it is submitted. We have nothing to hide,’’ he said asking BJP not to advise the government on what it should do. The police have registered a case and are investigation. The BJP should have patience, he said.
“It is the Congress which fought for the country’s independence. We know what is patriotism and nationalism. We respect the constitution,’’ he said.
Siddaramaiah said the BJP-JDS combine is making a hue and cry over the alleged pro-Pakistan slogans in Vidhana Soudha after the Rajya Sabha polls to hide their unhappiness over the defeat of their fifth candidate, who was fielded even though they did not have the numbers.
“It is known to everybody that one BJP member has voted against the party directions while another abstained from the elections. The BJP-JDS are seeking to divert public attention on their failure of the alliance,’’ he alleged.
The Chief Minister said the BJP’s meeting the Governor demanding dismissal of the Governor over the alleged pro-Pakistan slogan shouting incident was meaningless. They want to unnecessarily make political capital, he said.
Asked about the Caste census report, he said the Jayaprakash Hegde panel’s report on Backward Classes will be discussed in the State Cabinet.
When asked about the opposition from some Swamijis and party leaders opposing the Kantharaju Commission’s report on backward classes, he said the government has received and accepted the report. Those opposing it are unaware of the details, he said.
Responding to BJP-JDS leaders criticizing the government for raising political issues during the inauguration of developmental programmes, he said the government has been constantly engaged in developmental works.
“Let the BJP leaders remember what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been doing in Parliament. Is he not making political speeches and attacking the opposition parties?’’ he asked.