Bengaluru: Karnataka Congress leader Hariprasad has raised a banner of revolt, challenging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Hariprasad, known for his close association with the Gandhi family, made a significant speech at a community leaders meeting of Ediga, Billava, and Deevara castes at a private hotel.
His speech has gained importance in the current political scenario in Karnataka, especially at a time when the Congress government was seemingly resolving differences between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The revolt by one of the senior leaders against the Chief Minister is a cause of concern for the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Hariprasad hails from the influential Ediga community and presently serves as the leader of opposition in the Legislative Council. He is known for his firebrand speeches against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Hindutva.
Expressing his aspirations for a cabinet post, Hariprasad stated that he has played a role in the selection of five Congress Chief Ministers and knows how to make or dethrone the Chief Minister. He asserted that he will not beg for positions and will fight for what he deserves.
Indirectly targeting CM Siddaramaiah, Hariprasad stated that the leaders of Ediga, Billava, and Deevara communities should not get exploited and should unite. He expressed concern that community leaders are not coming forward in politics and raised suspicions of conspiracy against them.
Hariprasad also highlighted the need for equal rights for all backward classes and expressed discontent over the denial of tickets to candidates from his community. He accused Siddaramaiah of denying tickets to their candidates in favor of minority candidates.
The emergence of this revolt against Siddaramaiah has left the Congress leadership worried, particularly when they are preparing to take on the BJP at the national level, with Karnataka being a core strength for the party. The high command’s response to the situation remains to be seen, as infighting within the party could prove detrimental in the upcoming elections.
