Is Congress Capitalizing on Siddaramaiah's Influence as a Prominent Backward Class Leader?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar highlights Congress's strategy of leveraging Siddaramaiah's influence.
- A national-level OBC committee meeting is scheduled for July 15.
- Siddaramaiah's contributions to backward class organization are acknowledged.
- The BJP accuses Congress of attempting to oust Siddaramaiah.
- Funding issues for the Anna Bhagya scheme are under scrutiny.
Bengaluru, July 8 (NationPress) Addressing the speculation surrounding the potential appointment of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as the Chairperson of the party's National OBC Advisory Committee, Deputy CM and State party President D. K. Shivakumar highlighted that the party is capitalizing on Siddaramaiah's stature as a significant backward class leader.
While speaking to the media in Delhi, he remarked, "Siddaramaiah is a powerful voice for the backward classes, and the party is leveraging his leadership. A national-level meeting of the OBC committee is scheduled for the 15th of this month, to be led by Siddaramaiah."
When inquired about ongoing political discussions, he responded, "On July 10, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, AICC General Secretaries, and I will convene to deliberate on party-related issues."
Regarding whether this meeting pertains to Siddaramaiah's potential chairmanship of the OBC committee, he clarified, "No, this meeting will focus on organizational matters. The national-level gathering of OBC leaders will occur in Bengaluru on the 15th, hosted by KPCC."
He further stated, "Since it is happening in our state, our Chief Minister will preside over the meeting. Although he is not officially the head of the committee, he has considerable influence nationally, and the meeting will be held under his guidance. His contributions to the organization of backward classes have been substantial. Therefore, the Congress party is utilizing his leadership and expertise," Shivakumar elaborated.
When questioned about some MLAs supporting Shivakumar for the Chief Minister position, he replied, "The CM's position is not currently available. Thus, this is not the appropriate time to discuss such issues."
On the topic of funding shortages for transporting rice under the Anna Bhagya scheme, he mentioned, "I do not have specific details at this moment. I will collect the information and respond appropriately."
Despite Chief Minister Siddaramaiah denying any appointment by Congress as Chairperson of the party's National OBC Advisory Committee, the BJP asserted that this is a maneuver to displace him from his position.
The Karnataka BJP described it as a "scheme" by the Congress leadership to remove Siddaramaiah from his Chief Minister role.