'Don't give D K Shivakumar opportunity to become Karnataka CM': Janardhana Reddy to Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru: Gangavathi MLA G Janardhana Reddy on Thursday urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to "continue in office" and not allow Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to become the chief minister, sharply criticising the latter’s conduct after the Ballari violence.

Speaking during the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address in the Assembly, Reddy said, “I have respect for the Chief Minister. You must continue as CM for another two and a half years and maintain law and order in the state.”

Reddy recalled that Shivakumar had said he stands with his party MLA, "the one who had attacked my house with a mob." "When reporters told the DCM I had sought protection, he mocked saying I should go to Iran or the US or deploy BJP party workers for my protection. Also, he asked if I had been hit by a bullet in the head or heart."

His remarks are "unbecoming" of a person holding the DCM post, said Reddy.

Reddy urged the CM not to give Shivakumar an opportunity to become the chief minister. "You must continue and maintain law and order in the state.”

Reddy pressed for stronger policing in Ballari and an independent investigation by a sitting judge if CM did not trust the CBI.

“Post good IPS officers. Ballari needs peace and development," he urged.