Congress MLC BK Hariprasad dismisses ambitions for Karnataka CM post
Mangaluru: Congress MLC BK Hariprasad addressed reporters on Tuesday, clarifying that he is not seeking the position of Chief Minister of Karnataka. Hariprasad emphasized that the final decision regarding the continuation of Siddaramaiah in the role amid ongoing legal issues would be made by the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah faces allegations of illegally receiving a site from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), with the BJP demanding his resignation. In response to these accusations, Hariprasad expressed confidence that both Siddaramaiah and the Congress party would prevail in the legal proceedings, noting that a final judgment has not yet been issued.
Hariprasad addressed concerns about other Congress members expressing interest in the Chief Minister position. He clarified that party leaders had previously addressed questions about potential replacements and that any decision regarding a change in leadership would be determined by the Congress High Command. Hariprasad also highlighted that the 135 Congress legislators in Karnataka are exercising their democratic right to express their opinions and aspirations.
On the issue of alleged irregularities in Covid-19 management under the BJP government and Health Minister Dr. K. Sudhakar, Hariprasad criticized the BJP administration for its handling of the pandemic. He pointed out the significant number of deaths and the difficulties faced by the public due to vaccine supply mismanagement during the BJP's tenure. Hariprasad noted that the former health minister has been silent on these allegations and indicated that the release of the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission's report on the irregularities will bring the truth to light. He warned that those found guilty of illegal activities during the pandemic would face legal consequences.
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Bengaluru: First-time Congress MLAs with merit can be made ministers, says Moily
Bengaluru: Former Chief Minister Marpadi Veerappa Moily on Tuesday said that first-time Congress legislators could be considered for ministerial berths during the proposed Cabinet reshuffle if they have the requisite merit.
Moily responded to reports of over 30 first-time Congress MLAs seeking Cabinet positions by stressing the need for a Cabinet with a balance of merit among first-time, young, and senior leaders.
“We entered politics when the Chief Minister Devaraj Urs recognised us in 1972. If legislators have merit and dedication, they can be included in the Cabinet,” Deccan Herald quoted him as saying.
He said that there is nothing wrong with new MLAs aspiring for ministerial posts and that no one has the moral authority to question such aspirations. He recalled that he, too, was a newcomer in his early political days and said those with eligibility should be given ministerial posts.
“If the MLAs have merit, the Chief Minister will recognise them. In our time, we did not lobby for ministerial berths. We were recognised by the Chief Minister,” he said.
Addressing demands for a change in Chief Minister and current talk of a Cabinet reshuffle, Moily said that legislators voicing aspirations should not be seen as engaging in groupism.
He also said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to visit Karkala in Udupi district on Wednesday.
