Cong leader’s criticism of CM irrelevant, reflects obsession for cabinet post: Experts

Umar Sharieef |NT

Bengaluru: Political experts in Karnataka have termed Cong ress leader Hariprasad’s dig at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah “irrelevant, which only reflects his obsession for a Cabinet post”.

Hariprasad is a legislative council member who recently challenged the CM, saying he knew how to make or bring down a chief minister.

“I know how to make and bring down the CM. I do not beg from anyone. I will stand with my chest forward, and becoming a minister is a different question,” he purportedly stated in a video clip.

While the Ediga community leaders’ statement has revealed the infighting within the party, the silence from the high command paints a different picture.

“His statement is irrelevant and it only reflects his obsession for the post,” said an expert, who did not want to be named.

Congress denied a Cabinet post for Hariprasad, making him one among a few disgruntled leaders including Laxman Savadi, who joined the party before the Assembly election after leaving the BJP.

While the party’s high command is yet to react to the statement of the staunch follower of the Gandhis, and strikes a good rapport with the party’s former supremo Sonia Gandhi, experts believe that factionalism has become evident after the allocation of posts.

“He hasn’t won any election and is trying to demand a position through the statement. He is also trying to say that like Siddaramaiah he also has the support of the influential community,” said on expert.

On the other hand, Hariprasad has been backed by the community seer Pranavananda Swamy.

Reacting to the “Wait and see how things will roll out in the days to come”, experts slammed Hariprasad and questioned, “Shouldn’t he be thinking about the future of the party if he is a staunch follower of Gandhi?”