Mysuru: Refuting reports of an imminent change of leadership in the state, Chief minister Siddaramaiah asserted on Thursday that there was no threat to his position.
“There is no move to change the leadership of the state government. It is all a media creation and propaganda by my political rivals in opposition parties, who are envious of me,” he told reporters here on his arrival at the Lalit Mahal helipad.
Asked about reports that Congress MPs were unhappy with his style of working, and at not being taken into confidence by him, he shot back, “Has Veerappa Moily said so? No.
This is all imagined by the media. I can’t answer questions based on somebody’s imagination. They (MPs) have only sat together and had dinner , that’s all. Yes I will speak to them.”
About the cases against him before the Anti-Corruption Bureau, he said, “I am not at fault. Let them take action in accordance with the law.” On drought relief measures taken by the state, he said rain was expected by June 15 going by the forecast.
“We have taken all necessary measures to tackle drought till then,” he added.
As for the allegation by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda that the state government had failed to take necessary precautions to prevent farmers’ suicides, Mr Siddaramaiah claimed the issue was being politicised.
“What other reaction can you expect from Janata Dal (Secular) leaders? It was a bad period, but we have done our best to handle the situation,” he contended.
On allegations by opposition parties that the state government had miserably failed in presenting its case before the Mahadayi tribunal, the Chief Minister said, “Nariman is a reputed advocate and has represented other governments too. So they can’t make allegations merely for political reasons.”
As for reports about the judge of the Mahadayi tribunal being upset over a letter from the state government, Mr Siddaramaiah said that it was a legal issue and could not be discussed.
