Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru (MS)

Mysuru, Dec 9: "I will not speak much on religion. If that becomes a controversy then it is difficult to handle," said former chief minister Siddaramaiah.

Siddaramaiah speaking to scribes on December 8 said, "People only pressurized me to make Lingayat religion. On one side were 'Viraktaru' and on the other were those who follow the tradition of gurus. I, who got sandwiched between the two factions, had to bore the brunt of false propaganda against me. All those who wear saffron robe are not monks. Only those who have sacrificed everything are monks."

"I had asked to form a high power committee and give me the report. We called the meeting and discussed the issue with everyone. M B Patil, Shyamanur Shivashakarappa, his sone Mallikarjuna, Eshwar Khandre and others took part in the meeting. They could not arrive at a consensus. So I was made the scapegoat and false propaganda was made against me. So from that time onward I am careful while speaking," said a smiling Siddaramaiah.

The former chief minister also said, "The election outcome of the five states will have its impact on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections also. Congress is going to gain power in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chattisgarh."