We are equal when it comes to standing with the backward community, the minister said. (file)
Bellary (Karnataka):
In a shameful move for the BJP, Karnataka minister B Sriramulu on Tuesday said he wants to see Congress leader Siddaramaiah become the chief minister of the state again.
Karnataka BJP minister B Sriramulu said, “I am one of those who want Congress leader Siddaramaiah to become the chief minister again. I and Siddaramaiah are very similar in standing with the backward community.”
The BJP leader was speaking at the inauguration of Kuruba Sangh’s commercial store and student hostel in Bellary.
Speaking about the veteran Congress leader, Sriramulu said, “We criticize each other only for political reasons, and nothing personal here. I am sure Siddaramaiah also wants to see me become the CM one day.” Political strategies have to be made within. Big political system. One day Siddaramaiah and I will be on the same platform.”
“Siddaramaiah and I are trying to unite the backward castes,” he said.
According to him, if the backward communities come together, they can bring revolution in the state and the country.
Meanwhile, last week BJP general secretary and state in-charge Arun Singh said on Saturday that Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai is “here to stay” and will lead the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming assembly elections.
This comes amid political turmoil in Karnataka with the killing of several RSS workers in the past few weeks.
Subsequently, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai’s position has been flagged as a “weak chief minister”.
BJP general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Arun Singh told ANI, “There is no question of removing Bommai. Our leadership has placed full faith in him. He will definitely complete his term.”
Karnataka Assembly elections are due next year, with the BJP seeking a re-term and setting itself a target of 150 seats. Arun Singh assured that this election will be fought under the leadership of Basavaraj Bommai.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)