CM Siddaramaiah and DyCM D.K. Shivakumar make a show of unity in Mysuru
'Aren't we together?' Mr. Siddaramaiah asked Mr. Shivakumar, who nodded his head in agreement, before the two leaders joined their hands and raised them.
Mr. Siddaramaiah and Mr. Shivakumar were among a host of Ministers, including Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, Minister for Animal Husbandry K. Venkatesh and Minister for Minor Irrigation N.S. Boseraju, present at the Mysuru airport before proceeding to the KRS reservoir to offer bagina.
Countering allegations of dissent
The show of solidarity was aimed at countering the Opposition BJP's allegations about differences between the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister and the speculation over a change of leadership in the State.
Mr. Siddaramaiah made it clear that he and Mr. Shivakumar were on good terms, and any effort by the Opposition to drive a wedge between them will not bear fruit.
Referring to Mr. Shivakumar's nickname 'bande' (rock/boulder), Mr. Siddaramaiah even said that the Congress government will remain as strong as a 'bande' for its full five-year term.
Siddaramaiah slams BJP leaders
He lashed out BJP leader Sriramulu for predicting the fall of the Congress government and conduct of mid-term polls. He questioned the political forecast of Mr. Sriramulu, who he said had lost elections to both the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly. 'BJP leaders are liars,' he said.
With his attention was drawn to Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashoka's prediction that he will be replaced by Dasara, Mr. Siddaramaiah made it clear that he will inaugurate the Dasara festival this year.
With regard to All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Randeep Surjewala's visit to the State, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the Congress leader, who was in charge of the party affairs in Karnataka, will elicit opinion from the MLAs to strenghten the party organisation.
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