Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, May 12: Former chief minister, Siddaramaiah's statement that he was expelled from the JD(S) by H D Deve Gowda as punishment for organising Ahinda (minorities, backward classes, dalits) meets, has gave rise to analysis of his statement coming after several years from various quarters.

Siddaramaiah, in a haste to hit back at former deputy chief minister, R Ashok's statement against him, had made the above claim. Some have analysed that this statement has set the tone for political activities which may get unfurled once the Lok Sabha election result is announced. A large number of people believe that the statement indicates the aim of Siddaramaiah to cement his position in the Congress party and to send indirect signal to JD(S) leadership.

Siddaramaiah seems to be aiming to gain sympathy by reminding people that he faced injustice from the JD(S) leadership, and also to assert that his strength lies in Ahinda movement. He came out with this statement at a time when there are rumours that the coalition government will perish after the announcement of Lok Sabha election result and also that Siddaramaiah will return as the chief minister. However, the former chief minister, who also is the chairman of the coordination committee of the coalition government, has not come out with explanation about the timing of his statement.

Addressing an election campaign meeting at Aranakal within Chincholi assembly constituency on Saturday, Siddaramaiah had said that his joining the Congress after having been expelled from the JD(S) cannot be compared to Dr Umesh Jadhav joining the BJP after abandoning the Congress and that if anyone tries to do that it would be the height of foolishness. He said he joined the Congress as that party invited him to join it to fight against communal forces, and that BJP leader, R Ashok, is unaware of this fact.

Siddaramaiah claimed that his party had offered everything to Umesh Jadhav but Jadhav joined the BJP for power and reap benefit out of opportunism. He said Jadhav has betrayed his parent party for his individual benefit. He accused Ashok of speaking at will without properly understanding the history.