Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai expressed concerns over caretaker CM Siddaramaiah’s continued involvement in state politics, suggesting it could pose a threat to Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar. Bommai, speaking in Haveri, highlighted Siddaramaiah’s extensive four-decade political career and their past association. He emphasized supporting Siddaramaiah during challenging times, despite diverging political ideologies after Siddaramaiah joined the Congress.
Bommai described Siddaramaiah as a socialist leader with a focus on backward communities and criticized the Congress for replacing him as Chief Minister, alleging an insult to OBC leadership. He warned of significant political repercussions due to this decision, expressing disappointment among OBC communities in Karnataka. Bommai stressed that the issue was not about BJP’s political gain but about the treatment of leaders and communities by the Congress, particularly those who trusted Siddaramaiah.
The BJP leader emphasized the importance of social engineering and community outreach for the party’s political advantage in the future. Addressing questions on the Congress government’s stability, Bommai noted its current majority but highlighted the importance of accommodating Siddaramaiah’s supporters in the state Cabinet and organization for its future. He likened Siddaramaiah’s intention to stay active in Karnataka politics to a looming threat, suggesting potential consequences.
Bommai also criticized the Congress government’s financial management, alleging a significant increase in state debt without corresponding asset creation. He drew parallels with past Karnataka leaders sidelined by the Congress high command, mentioning Devaraj Urs, Veerendra Patil, and Bangarappa. Bommai referred to a historical trend in Karnataka politics, where Chief Ministers serving around seven years often faced challenges, citing examples like Nijalingappa, Devaraj Urs, Ramakrishna Hegde, and drawing similarities to Siddaramaiah’s situation.
