Shouldn’t have chosen JD(S), CM, Dy CM tell BM Farooque

Maqsood Maniyar | NT

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar were surprisingly candid in telling JD(S) MLC BM Farooque in public that he shouldn’t have joined or persisted with the regional outfit since they had now allied with the BJP, which is perceived as being hostile towards religious minorities.

They added that Congress was willing to elect Farooque to the Rajya Sabha in what is interpreted by many as an invitation back to the Congress.

The comments come in the backdrop of several JD(S)’ Muslim members including former minister NM Nabi, former party vice president Syed Shafiullah and others have quit the party over the prepoll alliance with the saffron party for next year’s Lok Sabha elections.

On the very same day, JD(S) state president CM Ibrahim publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the coalition.

The CM and the Deputy CM made the remarks after inaugurating the newly constructed Beary Souharda Bhavan in HBR layout in Bengaluru on Saturday.

They are a community that speaks the Beary language and are based in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. “Deve Gowda had said that he would not join the BJP as he was the founder member of the Janata Dal (Secular).

Now the same Deve Gowda is joining hands with BJP. Where have the secular values gone? I and DK Shivakumar told Farooq not to join JDS, but get elected to Rajya Sabha from Congress, but he did not listen. Look what's happening now,” Siddaramaiah said.

Echoing the same sentiments, Shivakumar appeared to invite Farooque back to the Congress.

“I and Siddaramaiah invited JD(S) MLC Farooque to the Congress party several times and assured him we would send him to the Rajya Sabha. However, he chose to side with Kumaraswamy. Don’t make a mistake like this in the future. The whole community will suffer,” he said.

On the occasion, Siddaramiah also heaped praise on Farooque’s brother Mohiuddin Bava. “Mohiuddin believes in harmony. Those who sow mistrust and hatred towards each other will bring the downfall of this country. Our constitution upholds secularism and harmony,” he said.

The CM also implied that those who threaten minorities with violence would be dealt with strictly.

“No one is allowed to take up law into their hands in our administration. No matter how much political power one has, ruthless action is sure to be taken against those who take law into their hands. All castes and religions are allowed to exercise their constitutional rights. Action will be taken against anyone who disturbs this,” he added.

Speaker UT Khader, Energy Minister KJ George, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, CM's Political Secretary Naseer Ahmed, Council Chief Whip Saleem Ahmed, Beary's Souharda Samiti's Syed Muhammad Beary and others were present on the occasion.