Mutt seers are not empowered to make someone PM or CM: Vishwanath

"The seers of the mutt do not have the power to make a person either prime minister or chief minister. It is not possible for Siddaramaiah to lead the country, just because a seer told that Siddaramaiah will become the prime minister," opined JD(S) publicity committee president A H Vishwanath.

Speaking at a taluk-level meeting, here, on Monday, Vishwanath said, "The seers can only felicitate the leaders visiting their respective mutt with a shawl, a basket full of fruits and assurances."

"In a democratic setup, it is the voters, who have the power to make a person their leader. It is common for any leader to seek votes for himself or one's party. But who is he to tell the voters not to elect a particular person," he said.

Answering to a query on Rahul Gandhi's statements that Siddaramaiah will be the next CM, he said, "The time is not too far for the leaders of the Congress to revolt against Siddaramaiah. I will not criticise the Congress as it is like my mother. Without proper leadership, the party has become weak."

"Following intelligence reports, Siddaramaiah is fearing his defeat. Hence, he might be thinking to contest from two constituencies. A few leaders of the Congress have been seeking ticket for their sons also. Today, they are asking for two tickets. In future, they may even ask five tickets," he quipped.