BC Patil says he’s unhappy, but won’t jump ship

In a significant development, disgruntled legislator BC Patil appeared before Congress leader Siddaramaiah early Saturday morning and claimed allegiance to the party.

Patil, who skipped the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting on Friday, was speculated to have joined the disgruntled group of legislators who are in touch with the BJP.

Patil represents the Hirekerur constituency and has been miffed for some time now, especially over not being made a minister and that his taluk and district had not received much attention under the Congress-JD(S) regime.

Patil is said to have told Siddaramaiah that he was indeed disgruntled but has assured him of not deserting the party. He also denied speculation about him having joined other disgruntled MLAs in Mumbai. About half-a-dozen disgruntled legislators, including former minister Ramesh Jarkiholi, are said to be holed up in Mumbai. The BJP is hoping they will resign in the coming days.

Siddaramaiah is learnt to have advised Patil not to fall prey to any poaching attempt by the BJP. “Don’t end up spoiling your political future,” a source quoted Siddaramaiah as having told Patil.

The cop-turned-actor-turned-politician has not attended the ongoing budget session so far. He even skipped Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s budget presentation on Friday. “Kumaraswamy has neglected my district. I’m not happy with the budget,” Patil told reporters. “But I didn’t go to Mumbai to meet disgruntled MLAs. I met Siddaramaiah to express my disappointment. It is because I’m disappointed that I’ve not attended the budget session,” he said.