BENGALURU
The Karnataka BJP has mocked Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President DK Shivakumar over some big decisions being taken by the government in his absence. Referring to the dinner meeting attended by seven cabinet ministers and 34 MLAs, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the BJP questioned whether Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar was merely a leader in name.
Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, stated on Friday that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, seemingly waiting for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to leave on a foreign trip, held a dinner meeting with 35 MLAs at Minister Satish Jarkiholi’s residence to assert his influence.
Addressing Shivakumar, Ashoka said, in your absence, cabinet meetings are being held, and significant decisions, such as a 15 per cent hike in bus ticket fares, are being made. What does it signify when such decisions are taken without the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister and the party's State President.
He added, Shivakumar, the time has come to act on your bold declaration in the Assembly that you would wrest power. Shivakumar had earlier humorously mentioned on the floor of the House that his astrologer had advised him to seize power.
Ashoka continued, does this mean that within the Congress party, you are present only in name but lack actual influence. Or is your assertiveness limited to media appearances.
If things continue like this, your dream will remain just that a dream. That much is guaranteed, Ashoka remarked, indirectly referring to Shivakumar’s ambition to become the Chief Minister.