BJP disapproves Eshwarappa's complaint to Guv against Karnataka CM Yediyurappa
Bengaluru, Apr 1: The BJP and a group of ministers on Thursday said senior party leader K S Eshwarappa's act of complaining to the Karnataka Governor against Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, alleging direct interference in the affairs of his department, was 'not right'.
The Ministers along with some party legislators, strongly backed the CM, who is yet to break his silence on the issue.
BJP national General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Arun Singh said Eshwarappa should not have written such a letter, being a senior leader and a Minister.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, he said, "If any minister has issues at any point of time, he should talk to the Chief Minister, and this is not the way, by writing a letter to the Governor."
"If he had any issues he should have spoken to the CM, we will discuss and see (what is to be done)..," he said as he evaded further questions regarding a similar letter written to him by Eshwarappa.
The Chief Minister is said to be upset with Eshwarappa's move to complain to the Governor and make the letter public.
Eshwarappa, also a former state BJP president, on Wednesday had complained to the Governor against Yediyurappa alleging direct interference in the affairs of his department.
He had submitted a five-page letter on "serious lapses and authoritarian ways of running the administration" by the CM.
A day after the complaint, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) today released a letter signed by 48 legislators blaming the Rural Development Department under Eshwarappa of blocking works by not giving its approval, despite grants being released.
This even as some senior Ministers in the government and MLAs seen as Yediyurappa loyalists met the CM at his official residence and held discussions.
Pointing out that they had all become ministers under Yediyurappa's leadership, Revenue Minister R Ashoka said, the matter should have been discussed within and along with the CM.
"This development (of complaining to the Governor) is not good... such things when the government was functioning effectively will cause embarrassment," he said after meeting the CM.
Noting that despite request from MLAs, the government was not in a position to help by granting more funds as financial situation has taken a hit due to COVID-19, Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said as the situation slightly improved the Chief Minister on the request of legislators based on the requirement has released funds.
Eshwarappa should have discussed with Yediyurappa and resolved issues if any, he said.
Administrative matters should be resolved within the government and it was not right to take it to the Governor.
"ours is a disciplined party and the discipline should not be violated.... Eshwarappa should discuss with the CM."
Health Minister K Sudhakar said Yediyurappa was their top leader chosen by the high command and MLAs, and this development has caused embarrassment to the government and the party.
Averring that the CM has powers and there was nothing wrong in what he did, Sudhakar said Eshwarappa who also a senior leader could have resolved if he had any issues in 5 minutes by discussing with the CM.
Agriculture Minister B C Patil said Eshwarappa is a senior leader and he should be guiding us.
He should have resolved the issue within the cabinet by discussing with the CM, instead of going to the Governor and making it public was not right.
Eshwarappa in his letter to the Governor has listed out instances like the Chief Minister sanctioning huge funds on the request of MLAs to the tune of Rs 774 crore under RDPR Department ignoring him, also works worth Rs 460 crore was sanctioned by bypassing him.
He has also alleged Rs 65 crore was directly sanctioned on the basis of a letter by the Bengaluru Urban zilla panchayat president, who according to him is a "close relative" of Yediyurappa's family, while pointing out that annual allocation for the Bengaluru Urban zilla panchayat is just Rs 1.17 crore.
Once considered close to each other, the "distance" between Eshwarappa and Yediyurappa have grown over the years.
Ahead of 2018 assembly polls, Eshwarappa had associated himself with the 'Rayanna Brigade', which was seen as a move to challenge Yediyurappa's style of functioning, then as the BJP state President.
Accusing Eshwarappa of embarrassing the government and the party, as done during the assembly polls by organising "Rayanna Brigade", CM's political secretary and MLA M P Renukacharya asked, "when people of your stature do such things, against whom should we take disciplinary action?"
A meeting of legislators will be called and they shall meet Arun Singh, BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel, National President J P Nadda, also Prime Minister Modi and union Home Minister Amit Shah, he said adding they have records about how much funds was sanctioned to whom.
MLAs A S Patil Nadahalli and Madal Virupakshappa said CM came to their help by sanctioning funds after they brought issues to his notice recently.
Backing Yediyurappa, the MLAs said they stood by him.
"He will remain as CM and will lead us during next election also," they added.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
