Is Kharge Seeking the CM Role Now Due to 1999's Denial?

Mysuru (Karnataka), July 28 (NationPress) In response to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's recent assertion that he was overlooked for the Chief Minister's position in Karnataka in 1999 despite his diligent efforts, the Karnataka BJP has suggested that he is currently vying for the CM role because of that past denial.

During a media interaction in Mysuru on Monday, Opposition Leader R. Ashoka noted that Siddaramaiah, who transitioned from JD-S, has served as CM for Congress twice, while Kharge, a long-time Congress member, has not. Ashoka emphasized that Kharge's complaints about not receiving the CM title were now a demand to settle an old score.

“Minister for Cooperation K.N. Rajanna has already hinted at a revolution, and Kharge has perfectly timed his appeal, akin to striking a ripe mango with a stone,” Ashoka remarked, indicating a potential CM transition by October in Karnataka.

Ashoka further commented on Kharge's references to the late S.M. Krishna, stating that Krishna’s innovations in IT and BT significantly boosted the state's revenue. While not claiming to foresee the future, Ashoka mentioned that MLAs have confirmed ongoing discussions about a CM shift within Congress across various districts.

He wryly noted that Deputy CM and State Congress Chief D.K. Shivakumar seems to be relying on divine intervention regarding the CM position, as he too has aspirations for the role.

In a separate issue, following the police's crackdown on a drug operation in Mysuru, Ashoka criticized the rising influence of the drug mafia in Siddaramaiah's home district, attributing this surge to Siddaramaiah's leadership. He questioned the government's inaction regarding a drug factory operating in Mysuru, implying negligence on Siddaramaiah's part.

“What is the Home Department doing while a drug factory operates in Mysuru? The government seems oblivious,” he stated, questioning how a lucrative business could thrive without oversight.

Ashoka also criticized Siddaramaiah's lack of focus on development, pointing out that he has not constructed even a single lake in Mysuru, yet he is compared to a Maharaja. He asserted that Siddaramaiah avoids discussions about development with MLAs.

Regarding recent fatalities at a Hindu pilgrimage site in coastal Karnataka, Ashoka mentioned an investigation is in progress, but he urged against premature speculation or defamation of the Hindu shrine.

BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra also weighed in on developments in Bengaluru, stating that Kharge expressed deep disappointment over not being awarded the CM title after decades of dedicated service to the Congress party.

He highlighted ongoing injustices faced by Scheduled Castes and communities at the hands of the Gandhi family and Siddaramaiah, questioning if the Congress party would now heed Kharge's sentiments. Only time will tell, Vijayendra concluded.

In a gathering in Vijayapura, Kharge remarked, “I too became the CLP (Congress Legislature Party) leader and worked hard to bring the party to power. While we eventually succeeded, S.M. Krishna, who joined the party just four months earlier, was appointed CM.”

Kharge expressed his dismay over the situation, stating that despite his five years of hard work, someone with much less experience was elevated to the CM's position. He indicated this was not an isolated incident, remarking on the oddity of discussing such grievances publicly.

S.M. Krishna served as Karnataka's CM from 1999 to 2004, while Kharge held a ministerial position under him. Before this, Kharge was the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.