Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Aug 12: Senior Congress leader Janardhan Poojary on Saturday August 12 predicted that energy minister D K Shivakumar, who was recently raided by the I-T department, will become the next chief minister as the Congress high command has a good opinion of him. Poojary also demanded chief minister Siddaramaiah's resignation 'by evening'.
Addressing a press meet here, Poojary said, "Former chief minister S M Krishna had a vision to transform Karnataka on the lines of Singapore and he worked for it. Siddaramaiah's tenure is coming to an end. D K Shivakumar is becoming stronger, and the high command has good opinion of D K Shivakumar. Shivakumar has protected Congress during its difficult times. He will be the next chief minister, he may become the CM any time because of the good opinion he enjoys."
Criticising CM Siddaramaiah over the drought situation in the state, he said, "Karnataka is facing severe drought but chief minister Siddaramaiah has no time to visit to drought-hit areas. He has said that he visited the areas and reviewed the situation, but it embarassing to hear the CM's statement about people dying due to drought.
"I demand the resignation of chief minister Siddaramaiah. If you (Siddaramaiah) are not able to visit the drought-hit areas and have no concern for them, why do you want to control the state's administration with so much difficulty? Are you busy playing cards or do you have other habits?
"People had lots of expectations when you took over as chief minister of the state. You challenged Yeddyurappa during the Karnataka assembly elections, now what happend to you?" he said.
Cautioning Siddaramaiah about BJP's election strategy in the state, Poojary said, "Please try to understand that BJP president Amit Shah is set on dethroning you (Siddaramaiah). So far he has visited 18 states and dethroned incumbent chief ministers wherever he visited.
"I urge Siddaramaiah to resign by this evening. If a Dalit becomes the chief minister, the Congress will survive. If not, the choice should be D K Shivakumar," he said.
When asked about the goverment's move to withdraw grants to Kalladka and Punacha schools, Poojary said, "This is a cruel act, no matter whose school it is. I started giving food to children and everyone at Kudroli as holy service. It is not a question of Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat or anyone else. But I laud Kalladka Bhat for the noble act of providing food to the students. I know how difficult it is. He has shown his humanity and he is not a robber.
"What is wrong with Ramanath Rai that he has to stop grants to the school? God will not forgive him. I urge him to withdraw the order. I will not leave this issue. I beg you (Rai), do not stop providing grants to the schools," he said.