Scared BJP is trying to create confusion in Cong: KPCC chief

KPCC president G Parameshwara on Friday accused the BJP of trying to create confusion within the ruling Congress over poll-related tours party leaders, including Chief Minister
Siddaramaiah, have planned.

The BJP has targetted Siddaramaiah's upcoming Sadhaneya Sambhrama tour, which the saffron party has claimed will cost the government Rs 50 crore.

"The chief minister is slated to inaugurate various government works. Hasn't he done that before? Can we keep an account for everything, including flowers used to welcome him?," Parameshwara retorted, defending the chief minister's tour. "The Opposition parties are scared. That's why they are spreading rumours about the tours our leaders want to take up."

The Congress has just come out of a spat between Parameshwara and Siddaramaiah over touring the state, thanks to AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal clearly demarcating who should do what - Siddaramaiah will visit Congress-ruled constituencies and Parameshwara the rest.

Katti to join Cong?

Parameshwara did not rule out the possibility of BJP leader Umesh Katti joining Congress. "The BJP is a broken house. That's why leaders like Katti are frustrated. Katti may have been in touch with the chief minister. I have not spoken to him. He will be welcomed if he wants to join," Parameshwara said. "It will be discussed with the high command."

Special vehicle

Parameshwara himself is gearing up for a tour of the Koratagere Assembly constituency in Tumakuru district, from where he wants to contest this time. A special vehicle has been designed for his campaign.

"Speeches of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will be played on this vehicle," he said, adding that he wanted to start an early campaign "to avoid mistakes in the past."

Parameshwara lost from Koratagere in 2013 Assemnly elections to JD(S) candidate Sudhakar Lal.