Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar should consult senior party leaders on MLC candidates: G Parameshwara
Bengaluru, May 28: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and State Congress chief D K Shivakumar should consult senior party leaders like him regarding selection of candidates for the MLC polls.
The statement comes against the backdrop of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar's trip to New Delhi today to discuss with the party high command candidates for biennial election to 11 seats of Karnataka Legislative Council on June 13.
"The Chief Minister and KPCC President are in responsible positions. It is appropriate if they consult seniors like us. Without consulting if they both decide on their own, it is not right according to me. Those with seniority and experience, both in the party and the government and having contacts, should be consulted. They have to discuss with us," Parameshwara said.
Addressing reporters here, he said, "Not just me, there are seniors like me who have served as the KPCC Presidents and those who have experience and have held party positions. If their advice and opinion is taken, it will be good. This is my opinion."
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Parameshwara was responding to a question whether the Chief Minister and Shivakumar have sought his views on MLC candidates, or whether he has recommended any names.
Asked about several Ministers suggesting consideration of factors such as region and caste while giving tickets, Parameshwara said, "This has to be discussed, offhand. They both (CM and DCM) should not decide unilaterally, they should seek our advice. They have to consider district and caste wise."
"Those who have worked for the party and built it, those communities that have stood by the organisation, have to be recognised, this is my opinion," he added.
To another query on whether this was discussed during the recent dinner meeting for all Ministers hosted by Shivakumar, Parameshwara replied in the negative.
Responding to KPCC president's diktat that Ministers should visit the party office to meet workers, Parameshwara said he too had done the same thing when he was the President for eight years.
"When Congress was in power, ministers used to visit the party office... This is the party decision. The President might have noticed some Ministers not adhering to it, and hence he might have given the instructions, it is a welcome move," he said.
Responding to a question on talks about no immediate changes in KPCC President for now, Parameshwara said the party high command will take a call at an appropriate time.
"Shivakumar is competent and is serving as the president. If he feels he is not able to manage as he is also the Deputy CM, he will tell the high command, or high command on its own may decide," he said.
Reacting to Minister K N Rajanna's statement that he was ready to sacrifice the minister post to serve as party President, he said, "... anyone may sacrifice, is there a shortage of people to sacrifice in Congress?"
As per the existing strength of parties in the Assembly, the Congress can win 7, BJP can win three and JD(S) one seat.
The schedule for filing nominations for this election has already begun, and it will go on till June 3.
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PM Modi embarks on three-nation visit beginning with Jordan
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday embarked on a visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman -- countries which enjoy civilizational ties and exceptional bilateral relations with India.
"First, I will be visiting Jordan, on the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. This historic visit will mark 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries," the prime minister said in his departure statement.
Modi will hold detailed discussions with Jordanian King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, and will also meet Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah.
In his first visit to Ethiopia, the prime minister will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
The prime minister will also hold discussions with Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and meet the Indian diaspora.
"On the final leg of my journey, I will visit the Sultanate of Oman. My visit will mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Oman," Modi said.
In Muscat, the prime minister will hold discussions with the Sultan of Oman on strengthening the Strategic Partnership as well as a strong commercial and economic relationship.
"I will also address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman, which has contributed immensely to the country's development and in enhancing our partnership," Modi said.
