Karnataka Leader of Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah played a role in the electoral defeat of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s brother, DK Suresh, in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
Suresh, a three-time Congress MP who represented the Bangalore Rural constituency, was defeated by BJP candidate CN Manjunath by a margin of over 2.69 lakh votes in the recent polls. Ashoka made these statements while participating in a protest in Kolar against the Congress government over the alleged tribal welfare board scam, as reported by IANS.
“To get rid of Shivakumar's harassment, CM Siddaramaiah ensured Suresh’s defeat. In retaliation, Shivakumar orchestrated a statement from a prominent Vokkaliga seer demanding Siddaramaiah vacate the CM chair,” Ashoka stated. Amidst this political turmoil, Congress ministers are now reportedly demanding the creation of three more Deputy CM posts. "This government is going to collapse due to the curse of its legislators," Ashoka added, as per the report.
The Vokkaliga seer has called for Shivakumar to be appointed as the Chief Minister, further intensifying the political drama. Ashoka asserted, "If the CM had any self-respect, he should have resigned by now."
The senior BJP leader also accused Siddaramaiah of being directly involved in the Rs 187 crore Valmiki Tribal Welfare Board scandal, demanding his immediate resignation.
Additionally, Ashoka criticised the Congress government for allegedly increasing milk prices in the state under the guise of providing freebies.
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