'November revolution' certain, CM change definite, claims K'taka BJP leader
Bengaluru (PTI): Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R Ashoka on Monday asserted that the "November revolution", as predicted by his party, is certain and the change of Chief Minister in the state is definite.
The BJP leader also claimed that Karnataka was being used as an 'ATM' by the ruling Congress to fund the party in Bihar and Tamil Nadu (2026) polls . Whoever among Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivkumar ensures "payment" for the party, will be made the "settlement" with the CM post.
There have been speculations about the CM change in the state, when the Congress government reaches the halfway mark of its five-year term in November, which is being referred to by some as "November revolution".
"Legislature party elects the CM for five years. If the CM is now saying he will continue if the high command decides, it means that there is an agreement. There is agreement for settlement, payment," Ashoka said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "what BJP has been saying as the opposition party is true -- November revolution is certain, change is definite."
The LoP was reacting to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's statement on Monday that he would continue in office for the full five year term, subject to the Congress high command's decision.
Asked for clarity about his comments indicating some settlement and payment, Ashoka said Siddaramamaiah and Shivakumar were in the race for CM post, and whoever among them ensures payment, will get the settlement with CM post.
"Karnataka is an ATM (for Congress) whether it is Bihar or Tamil Nadu polls, people of the state should understand it. Why are taxes being hiked? Why is the tunnel road project being taken up now (in Bengaluru) when the Bihar election is there and the Tamil Nadu election is approaching? It is the scheme (to fund Congress) in both states' elections," he alleged.
There has been speculation within state's political circles, especially within the ruling Congress, for some time now about the Chief Minister change later this year, citing alleged power-sharing agreement involving incumbent Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
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Ready to face no-confidence motion, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah
Hassan (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that the Congress government led by him was ready to face the no-confidence motion if moved by the opposition during the legislature session from December 8.
With Deputy CM D K Shivakumar by his side, he reiterated that they would both abide by the high command's decision on the leadership issue.
"Let them (opposition) bring in a no-confidence motion or adjournment motion or any other motion. We are ready to face it. Ours is an open book, transparent government. We are ready to face anything," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question.
However, BJP state President B Y Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, clarified that the party, along with the JD(S) has not discussed or decided anything so far regarding moving a no-confidence motion against the government.
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The winter session of the Karnataka legislature will begin in Belagavi, bordering Maharashtra, on December 8 and will go on till 19th of this month.
Not wanting to react to a question on the leadership issue, the CM said the Congress high command is very strong.
"D K Shivakumar and I will be committed to whatever the high command decides," he said.
Earlier in the day in Bengaluru, Shivakumar accompanied AICC Mallikarjun Kharge till airport from Vidhana Soudha, after paying tributes to B R Ambedkar on his 69th death anniversary, which had led to some speculation about possible discussion between the two on the leadership issue.
The power tussle within the ruling party had intensified amid speculation about a change in chief minister in the state, after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20.
However, both the CM and Deputy CM had recently held breakfast meetings at each others residences, on the instructions of the high command, which is seen as a move to pause the leadership tussle between the two and to signal Siddaramaiah's continuation as the CM for the time being, especially ahead of the Belagavi legislature session.
