BENGALURU: H D Kumaraswamy’s maiden budget came under attack at the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting chaired by former chief minister Siddaramaiah here on Wednesday. The members vented their ire at the party leaders for failing to ensure regional balance in the budget. They also alleged neglect of interests of minorities, cut in distribution of free rice under Anna Bhagya scheme from 7kg to 5kg per head and hike in petrol and diesel prices.
Senior Congress leader H K Patil took the lead in highlighting the ‘weaknesses’ of the budget. He termed the budget as being loaded in favour of south Karnataka and said gross injustice has been done to people of North Karnataka.
Patil demanded Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara to take up the issue with the Chief Minister and ensure a roll back of price hike and restore the quota of rice being distributed though Anna Bhagya to 7kg. Patil received support from many legislators who attended the meeting.Some of the members cautioned the party leaders against allowing JD(S) to dominate in the coalition government.
Parameshwara faces the heat
The members also cautioned the leaders against giving up the Legislative Council Chairman post to JD(S). The post should come to Congress, the members demanded. Parameshwara reportedly faced the ire as some members accused him of toeing the line of Kumaraswamy on vital issues instead of acting firmly to protect the interests of Congress legislators and programmes.