Kharge: We did not scuttle Siddu's choice for Hebbal

KALABURAGI: Congress leader in Lok Sabha, M Mallikarjun Kharge, on Saturday denied reports that “Old Guard of Congress” foiled Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s efforts to get Hebbal ticket to his supporter, Byrathi Suresh.

During an interaction with the media here, Mr Kharge remarked “neither anybody gained an upper hand nor somebody lost” with the selection of grandson of senior Congress leader C K Jaffer Sharief for the seat.

He contended that the decision to field Mr Jaffer Sharief’s grandson Abdul Rahman Sharief was taken by the party’s leadership.

“In our party, anybody can apprise the high command and anybody can make a claim for the ticket. But ultimately it is the high command which takes the decision and we all will abide by it”, Mr Kharge added.

The leader also clarified that he had always bowed to the decision of central leaders of the party and worked sincerely for the success of the candidate chosen by them.

Taking exception to media reports on the issue of selection of candidate for the bypoll to Hebbal Assembly constituency, Mr Kharge contended that attempts are being made to destabilize the party.

“The BJP is day dreaming of gaining from the so called schism in our party. It is totally wrong. The party has the ability to overcome such problems and stand united”, he added.

Expressing confidence that the ruling Congress would win all three seats, Mr Kharge however did not agree with the view that the chances of his party had been weakened because of the presence of Muslim candidates of JD (S) in two constituencies.

“I don’t think the Muslim votes will be divided due to fielding of Muslim candidates in Hebbal and Bidar by JD (S). We have always sought the support of people on secular plank and never deviated from that plank. Whoever believes in secularism, will definitely support us”, Mr Kharge added.

Asked whether the controversy involving labour minister T Parameshwar Naik had caused embarrassment to the party on the eve of by-elections, Mr Kharge initially declined to comment on the issue saying he had no knowledge of the developments.

“I cannot react merely on media reports. But I am of the view that in public life one has to conduct himself in a very balanced manner. However I will speak to the Chief Minister as well as the home minister in this regard,” he added.

Mahadevappa defends CM’s decision
In an attempt to play down the tussle between the old guard of Congress and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his camp followers for Hebbal bypoll ticket, public works minister Dr H.C. Mahadevappa said that it was neither a setback for the Kuruba strongman nor victory for the others.

He told the media after paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi on ‘Martyrs Day’ here: “This is the Congress party, we all know it. We have to work for our central leaders. That is what is happening in Hebbal too.”

The minister, a trusted lieutenant of Mr Siddaramaiah, clarified that the Chief Minister did not propose any candidate’s name and therefore could not be dubbed the loser.

“Byrathi Suresh was the choice of party workers and leaders of Hebbal constituency. Based on these inputs, the selection panel headed by Bengaluru district in-charge minister K. J. George may have recommended Mr Byrathi Suresh's name. So, how can anyone blame Mr Siddaramaiah? The central leaders of our party have picked Abdul Rehman Sharief as the candidate, we all will work to ensure his victory in Hebbal,” the minister added.