Bagalkot (Karnataka), April 3 (NationPress) Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah firmly stated that the BJP does not represent the Congress party's high command, launching a pointed critique against the BJP and Union Minister of State V. Somanna.

During a media interaction while campaigning for the Congress candidate in Bagalkot, Siddaramaiah remarked that Somanna is a "minister lacking responsibility" within the BJP, emphasizing that he is not receiving any files for review.

In response to Somanna's claim that the Chief Minister has been campaigning for five days out of fear of losing and would only remain in office for another month and a half, Siddaramaiah countered that Somanna himself seems to lack the time to engage in campaigning.

He accused BJP leaders of not actively participating in the campaign, recognizing their potential defeat in the area. Furthermore, he asserted that Somanna does not possess the authority to comment on the Chief Minister's role, stressing that he is not part of the Congress high command.

Siddaramaiah criticized BJP leaders for their tendency to spread misinformation and claimed they fail to uphold their promises.

He expressed that he does not want to extensively address such statements, noting that BJP leaders are making unfounded accusations out of fear of losing in Bagalkot.

Referring to the expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Siddaramaiah pointed out that the BJP has reinstated an expelled member for campaigning, highlighting this as an instance of their double standards. He further stated that the BJP's position in Karnataka is weak.

On the topic of increasing Lok Sabha seats, Siddaramaiah argued that any increase should reflect population size, ensuring no bias against southern states.

Regarding the shortage of LPG cylinders, he asserted that the central government must take accountability and act, as the state is only responsible for distribution.

In light of reports about auto drivers planning to protest outside the Food Minister's residence, he suggested they should instead target Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence.

Responding to Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra's assertion that bypoll results would influence the Chief Minister's position, Siddaramaiah declared that Congress would secure victories in both seats, negating any such impact.

Addressing claims that minorities received disproportionate allocations in the state budget, Siddaramaiah questioned whether minorities are not considered citizens, noting they comprise approximately 14 percent of the population and receive funding like any other group.

Reaffirming his stance, Siddaramaiah stated that BJP leaders lack the authority to comment on Congress' internal affairs, identifying Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi as the true high command of the Congress party.

In response to BJP allegations regarding misuse of power and funds, he contended that if any misuse exists, it is attributable to the BJP itself.