Tumakuru (Karnataka) [India], October 9 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna on Friday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over his participation in the protest demanding cancellation of SIR and resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Questioning the Chief Minister’s move, Somanna said, “Sir, how is it appropriate for you to sit there as the Chief Minister? As the head of the state’s administrative machinery, what kind of precedent does it set for you to go and sit there yourself?”
Referring to the Chief Electoral Officer’s clarification on Form 6 and Form 7, he said the officer has explained the difficulties involved in deleting a voter’s name versus the ease of adding one.
“Through you, I make this appeal: you have a formidable political presence; move beyond this and focus on actual governance. If you insist on continuing this behaviour, open a college and become the principal yourself. Take Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi on as your students,” Somanna said.
He further questioned, “You tell me — should the voting rights of infiltrators, Bangladeshi migrants, deceased individuals, and those holding voter cards in multiple locations be revoked or not? ‘Unseen hands’ are at work fabricating lies.”
“I had hoped you would leave a positive mark on the state through your experience, but your recent statements are truly distressing. Set all this aside and focus on addressing the drought in the state,” he added.
Somanna warned that otherwise, the four upcoming elections will serve as a bellwether and the people will send a message. He advised the Chief Minister to do something for the state in the remaining tenure.
Responding to the issue of opposition members not joining a delegation to meet the Central Government regarding the drought situation, Somanna said the state is constantly mired in confusion and chaos. He urged the government to move past politics and focus on the state’s development.
Highlighting the severe drought, he noted the lack of drinking water for people and livestock and the resulting migration. He said everyone would cooperate if the state government implemented constructive measures, but criticised the opposition’s contradictory statements.
He suggested that if the Central drought assessment team inspects the affected areas, they could collectively pressure the Central Government for aid and urged them to stop political theatrics.
On speculation about BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra contesting from Gubbi, Somanna said, “Why are others envious or concerned about where Vijayendra might choose to contest? The party decides who contests from where.”
“Last time, during the Assembly elections, they fielded me against Siddaramaiah; I contested. Later, I was asked to contest from Tumakuru, and I did so. The horse and the arena are both there; anyone can choose to contest from wherever they wish. In the past, Yediyurappa moved from Mandya to contest from Shikaripura and built a strong fortress there. Now, if Vijayendra wants to contest from another location and build a fortress of his own, let him do so — who is stopping him? We will all abide by the decisions made by the party and the High Command,” he said. (ANI)
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