Siddaramaiah in Delhi to block HDK's cabinet bid

Cong high command wont take JD(S) support: HDKs detractors

Those Congress leaders who are supporting and opposing Kumaraswamy are not ready to be quoted. But sources in the Congress said that Siddaramaiah as well as his supporters left for Delhi this evening only to explain as to why HDK should not be taken into the Cabinet.
The detractors of HDK said that he should not be entertained by the party high command on the following three grounds: Firstly, LS results show that the JD(S)’s vote share has plummeted from 20 pc in 2004 to 13 pc in 2009 elections. Secondly, the JD (S) did not field candidates in six LS constituencies on the pretext of helping the Congress. And, all these seats have gone to the BJP.
Thirdly, HDK fielded candidates in six constituencies where his party had no base. All these seats too went to the BJP. Instead he should have supported the Congress candidates.
The detractors of HDK are confident that the high command would not take the support of the JD (S) as he has been a spoilsport. The party sources also said that there are many senior leaders, including Dharam Singh, Mallikarjun Kharge, Dr G Parameshwara, D K Shivakumar and H K Patil, who would not mind HDK getting a berth in the Union cabinet. Their argument is that the Congress, going by its past performance, may not be able to put up a very impressive show in forthcoming elections. It would be better to be with the JD (S) to take on the ruling BJP in elections, the leader argued.
They also pointed out that Siddaramaiah cannot dictate terms because his presence too had not helped the party to perform well in the LS elections. It is a fact that the Congress has won Mysore and Chamarajangar. But in both constituencies the winning candidates have not secured impressive lead, they said.
Speaking on record, Siddaramaiah said, “Who I am to protest? Giving a ministerial berth to Kumaraswamy is the prerogative of the PM and Congress President”.
While speaking to reporters, he blamed the party’s lack of application of mind in selection of candidates and working out a suitable campaign strategy for the Congress’ debacle in the polls. He said it was not correct to blame any individual for the debacle and the entire party should take collective responsibility.
He had no specific answer as to when he would occupy the post to be vacated by Kharge in the Assembly.