JOIN USParticipating in the discussion on the budget, Yeddyurappa extended an open invitation for Siddaramaiah. “Let us not campaign during the forthcoming by-elections. Let us go abroad for a few days. Its a gentleman’s agreement”.
Siddaramaiah said he did not mind accepting the offer. “But it would lead to a lot of political speculation. Remember what had happened when you took me in your helicopter to Mysore”, Siddaramaiah recalled. The helicopter ride with the CM, a few months back, had led to speculation that Siddaramaiah was distancing from the Congress. A member said the helicopter ride had prompted the Congress high Command to appoint Siddaramaiah as leader of the Opposition.
Energy Minister K S Eshwarappa, in a lighter vein, wondered, “If you go together abroad, I wonder about the fate of that country”.
Siddaramaiah had the last word. “The absence of the CM from the State can provide you (Eshwarappa) an opportunity to occupy his chair”, he said to peal of laughter from the members.