Cong MPs forming forum creates flutter

Congress MPs from Karnataka forming a forum recently to take up the problems faced by them vis-a-vis their constituencies with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has created a flutter in the state political circles.

It was speculated in the Congress circles that the MPs had raised the banner of revolt against Siddaramaiah, who has of late come under criticism from a section his partymen for his style of functioning. However, Congress MP from Bengaluru Rural, D K Suresh, who is also the convenor of the forum, denied reports the MPs had revolted.

“The MPs have formed the forum with the intention of taking up with the chief minister issues related to the development of our constituencies. We all have decided to meet Siddaramaiah when he visits Delhi and discuss the development projects pending in our constituencies. It has got nothing to do with politics,” he said.

The chief minister is likely to visit Delhi after completing his tour of the drought-affected regions in Karnataka. The members of the forum will meet him during his visit. One of the major issues is the pending railway projects. The forum wants to urge the chief minister to extend his cooperation in completing all the development projects, he added.

Horticulture Minister Shamanur Shivashankarappa said Siddaramaiah would complete his term as the chief minister.

Speaking to reporters, he said Siddaramaiah would become the chief minister again if the party won the 2018 Assembly elections. “MLAs of the ruling party aspiring to become ministers is common. I will continue as the minister for the remaining two years, irrespective of whether the chief minister reshuffles the Cabinet or not. But I am ready to face anything,” he said. Asked whether senior leader S M Krishna could again become the chief minister, Shamanur said: “He is already 85.” CM denies rift in Cong

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday denied reports of misunderstanding between him and Congress leaders, reports DHNS from Mysuru.

When asked about 13 Congress MPs who have expressed their displeasure over his style of functioning, Siddaramaiah said the MPs gathered at Congress leader M Veerappa Moily’s house for lunch.

Siddaramaiah said: “The media and Opposition party leaders are spreading false rumours about me and are speculating change of guard in the state. Opposition party leaders cannot tolerate the fact that I am the chief minister and the media is writing things based on their imagination. There is no misunderstanding in the party.”