No Disagreements Between Shivakumar and Me, Leadership Change Discussions Are Normal: Karnataka Home Minister
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Synopsis
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara emphasized that he shares a strong rapport with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, dismissing any claims of discord between them. He addressed leadership change discussions and internal party matters, reiterating the importance of unity within the Congress party.
Key Takeaways
- No differences between Parameshwara and Shivakumar.
- Leadership change discussions are normal within parties.
- Internal disputes are often exaggerated by media.
- Importance of unity in Congress party emphasized.
- Price increases tied to central government policies.
Bengaluru, April 3 (NationPress) Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara asserted on Thursday that there are no disagreements between him and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Addressing the media in Bengaluru, HM Parameshwara spoke about the matter of leadership transition within the Congress party's state unit, stating, “Some party leaders believe that the State Congress President should change, while others think Shivakumar should remain. During my tenure as State President, a similar situation arose. The high command consulted us and permitted my continuation for a second term.”
When questioned about the possibility of growing differences between him and Shivakumar, he replied, “There is no difference of opinion between me and State President and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar. I can visit him at his residence without any issues. We share a great friendship.”
On internal disputes within the Congress party in the state, Parameshwara remarked, “I am unaware of any internal conflicts. This narrative is concocted by the media. We in the Congress party are in power and executing our programs. Minor disagreements are natural, but they do not equate to internal conflicts.”
When asked about his absence from the Karnataka Bhavan inauguration in New Delhi and the Siddaganga Mutt event in Tumakuru, he clarified, “I was the one who laid the foundation stone for the Karnataka Bhavan, which was inaugurated by CM Siddaramaiah. I was not invited to the event for various reasons.”
“Without an invitation, how could I attend the event by traveling all the way to New Delhi?” he questioned.
“In this context, I chose not to attend. I believe it was not significant since the CM, Dy CM, and PWD Minister were present. CM Siddaramaiah represents the entire Cabinet, and my presence was not essential,” he added.
Regarding the Siddaganga Mutt event, he stated, “My family has a strong relationship with the Siddaganga Mutt. My father had a close association with the late Shivakumar Swamiji. I was occupied during the event and will visit the mutt whenever I choose.”
On the honey trap case involving Minister for Cooperation K.N. Rajanna, Parameshwara noted that no conclusions can be drawn until the investigation concludes.
“At this stage, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the honey trap case or the alleged murder attempt case involving Minister Rajanna’s MLC son, Rajendra Rajanna,” he stated.
When asked if Minister Rajanna had remained silent on the honey trap case due to internal party pressure, Parameshwara refuted the claim, saying, “There is nothing of that sort.”
Regarding the successful passage of the Waqf Bill in Parliament, he remarked, “Despite opposition, 288 Lok Sabha members voted in favor of the Waqf Bill, which was passed early in the morning. Alongside the Muslim community, various other groups believe the Waqf Bill is being used as a political tool. Now that it has passed, we must wait to see what unfolds next.”
Addressing the demand to revoke the suspension of 18 BJP MLAs, Parameshwara said, “The decision lies with the Speaker. The government has no involvement. The Speaker was elected unanimously and cannot act for any particular party. When BJP MLAs caused a commotion and hurled torn papers at him, no Speaker would remain silent without taking action.”
“Before reaching a decision, he reviewed all the rules and facts. The entire episode lasted around three hours, during which the Speaker repeatedly urged the MLAs to maintain order. However, the BJP MLAs disregarded his requests,” he explained.
“If legislators do not respect the Speaker, there are regulations to address such conduct. These rules were established by elected representatives. In this instance, the situation lies between the Speaker and the suspended MLAs. The state government has no involvement,” he insisted.
When asked about the BJP’s protest regarding rising prices in the state, Parameshwara explained, “Price increases depend on our policies. When the central government raises taxes, states are compelled to adjust their tax slabs. If the Centre controls taxation, states will benefit.”
He further added, “We should receive a fair share of the taxes collected by the Centre. If states are deprived of their rightful share, they must generate their own revenue, which inevitably leads to price hikes. The only way to manage this is for the Centre to effectively control taxation.”
