HASSAN: Former MLA Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah created a storm in political circles when he said that his father will continue in the post for a full five years without any hindrance if the Congress performs well in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.
Speaking after the inauguration of a statue of Sangolli Rayanna at Annechakanahalli village in Holenarsipur taluk on Tuesday evening, Yathindra said, “Prior to the Assembly election, the Congress had announced five guarantees and even before completing one year in office, Siddaramaiah has implemented all the five. He has yet again proved that he walks the talk”.
Further, Yathindra said the Congress is always in the forefront to work for the poor and the oppressed and called for people to support Siddaramaiah. “In the coming months, the Congress will face the Lok Sabha election under Siddaramaiah’s leadership. If the party wins a good number of seats, it will give him more moral strength”, he said.
Yathindra noted that the government is spending Rs 56,000 crore annually towards the Congress guarantees and added that no other government had spent so much for social welfare schemes. “When the government is spending so much, people should support it and it should be shown in the Lok Sabha election. It will strengthen Siddaramaiah’s hands to continue the guarantee schemes for the full five years and he will continue as CM without any hindrances”, he said.
Meanwhile, some supporters raised slogans saying should be the next Prime Minister.
Reacting to Yathindra’s statement in Belagavi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “Neither I nor Yathindra will decide who will continue as CM. The high command will decide on it”, he said.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, when asked to react to Yathindra’s remarks, said, “The Congress government will remain in power for the full term and no one can stop it. We will face the Lok Sabha polls under his leadership and there is no doubt about that. It is natural for someone to seek public support and it should not be twisted. Yathindra is a sensible emerging leader and let us will encourage him”.