Congress MLA Ashok Pattan says self-respect bigger than ministerial post, rules out lobbying chief minister, dismisses retirement rumours ahead of next elections
Belagavi
Senior Congress MLA Ashok Pattan on Friday said self-respect was more important than a ministerial position, asserting that he would not repeatedly lobby the Chief Minister for a berth in the Karnataka Cabinet.
Speaking to reporters at the Government Tourist Bungalow in Belagavi, Pattan said he would not behave “like a child” by constantly seeking a ministerial post. He maintained that he had dignity and self-respect and believed the party leadership was aware of his contribution and loyalty.
“The Chief Minister knows how much work we have done and how committed we have been. I will consider my ministerial position confirmed only after I take the oath,” he remarked in a lighter vein.
Pattan said Congress leaders from Belagavi district had sought three ministerial berths for the district, pointing out that the previous BJP government had accommodated four ministers from the region. He recalled that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier expressed his desire to induct him into the Cabinet but had also emphasised the need for an efficient Chief Whip. According to Pattan, both Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had assured him that he would be considered when the appropriate time came.
Responding to speculation about strained relations between Siddaramaiah and senior Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi, Pattan dismissed such reports, accusing the media of creating unnecessary controversy. He said the two leaders shared cordial relations and there was no internal conflict.
The MLA also rejected rumours about his political retirement, describing them as baseless. He said he was actively preparing for the next Assembly election and expressed confidence of increasing his winning margin from 12,000 votes in the last election to 25,000 votes in the next.
Pattan asserted that he had never announced his retirement and alleged that political opponents were spreading false information to damage his image. He added that he intended to remain active in politics as long as his health permitted, while indicating that the next generation of his family would eventually continue his political legacy.