Chanangiri MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga seeks change of district in-charge minister

Channagiri Congress MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga, has written to CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM, requesting the removal of Mines and Geology Minister S S Mallikarjun from district in-charge responsibilities.

Davangere: Channagiri Congress MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga, who is said to be ardent follower of KPCC President D K Shivakumar, has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, requesting the removal of Mines and Geology Minister S S Mallikarjun from district in-charge responsibilities.

The minister's political alignment with the BJP is causing embarrassment for the party in the district. Signs of such alignment is evident in the upcoming taluk and district panchayat elections, potentially leading to setbacks for the party. Loyal workers and party interests necessitate the replacement of the in-charge minister, the letter appeals.

Minister S S Mallikarjun lacks trust and respect with local legislators and is making unilateral decisions on administrative matters in the district. The letter accuses him of such behaviour, expressing frustration.

There was a need to transfer R Vijayakumar, a first-grade accounts assistant in the Public Works Department, from Shivamogga to Davangere. Although the minister initially approved the request, he later withheld the order. He is reportedly backing I S Odenapura, who holds the position in Davangere's Public Works Department. Odenapura who is the district unit president of the State Government Employees Association, allegedly received BJP support in the recent association elections.

During the election for the director position of the District Cooperative Central (DCC) Bank, the minister did not support the Congress candidate. BJP supporters have ensured continuation in the State Apex Bank director position. Despite Congress holding power in the DCC Bank, the situation has caused embarrassment, the letter criticises.