Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed the rumour over Udupi District-in-Charge Minister, who is also Minister for Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fisheries Pramod Madhwaraj joining the BJP.
Speaking to a section of media persons here, at the Mangaluru International Airport before travelling to Udupi on Sunday, he said the rumour is an attempt by BJP to tarnish the image of Madhwaraj. Madhwaraj himself has given clarification on the same thrice.
Further, the CM said that Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel does not know what he speaks. "He does not have common sense and culture. Why do you want to speak about him?" he asked.
"There are several BJP and RSS leaders who are in contact with me. Can I keep on saying this again and again?" he asked.
To a query on alleged privatisation of a government hospital in Udupi, Siddaramaiah said "We are not privatising the hospital. It would continue to remain as a government hospital."
Published 19 November 2017, 13:36 IST