Bengaluru, Feb 23 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, criticized the Congress party on Monday, asserting they lack authentic intentions regarding the appointment of a Dalit Chief Minister.

He claimed that the narrative surrounding a “Dalit CM” is merely a tactical maneuver introduced amid the ongoing conflict between the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister regarding leadership.

While addressing the press in Bengaluru, Joshi stated that internal discord within the Congress has escalated, and the interests of the State are being completely sidelined amid the struggle for the Chief Minister’s position.

“Determining who should be CM is an internal issue for that party. However, it is evident that governance in the State is in disarray due to this tussle for the Chief Minister's seat. Ill-conceived guarantee schemes, widespread corruption, and internal rifts have led the State into a downward spiral,” he alleged.

He pointed out that the State is currently grappling with a severe drinking water shortage, with shortages reported as early as February. The situation in North Karnataka is particularly dire, he noted, adding that the state of the roads has also worsened significantly. “Rather than tackling these fundamental issues, they are preoccupied with the struggle for the CM's position,” Joshi asserted.

He further commented that there seems to be a lack of leadership within the State Congress. “Supporters of CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar are expressing their views freely. Some assert that Siddaramaiah will present both the current and next Budget, while others claim this will be his last Budget. Amid this uncertainty, governance has entirely collapsed,” he claimed.

In response to Satish Jarkiholi’s remarks about the existence of corruption previously, Joshi stated that Congress leaders have not provided sufficient evidence to back such assertions. “However, corruption is rampant in their government,” he charged.

Regarding the bribery case involving BJP MLA Chandru Lamani, Joshi emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. “An audio clip featuring a Swamiji has surfaced. Was there a deliberate trap? How did this situation arise? All of this necessitates investigation,” he stated.

Joshi condemned the Congress party’s actions at the AI summit as “shocking and regrettable,” demanding that the party apologize to the nation.

He highlighted that the summit was attended by representatives from 29 nations, 45 ministers, prominent industrialists, and AI experts. “In light of this, Congress displayed highly inappropriate behavior,” he expressed.

He noted that even among Congress leaders, there has been dissatisfaction regarding the incident. Margaret Alva reportedly expressed that there should have been “discipline, dignity, and sense,” while Akhilesh Yadav commented differently on the matter. Joshi urged Congress leaders to exhibit at least a modicum of courtesy in the future.

“At the AI summit, there were representatives from 29 different countries, 45 ministers, leading industrialists from our nation, and key figures in AI. Ignoring all this, the Congress displayed highly inappropriate behavior,” Joshi stated emphatically.