MYSURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took exception to former chief minister S M Krishna’s “worst government in Karnataka” remark and wanted the veteran leader to recall what type of government was there in the state when he was at the helm.
Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, Siddaramaiah said Krishna is a senior leader and he had no objections to his vision. “Around 30 ministers, including many MLAs, were defeated in the polls bringing down the Congress strength from 140 to 60. What happened to his farsightedness,” he asked. He said the Congress campaign is having an overwhelming response and people are assuring them of voting in favour of the party.
Addressing an election rally in Hullahalli, Siddaramaiah said BJP leaders are living in an illusion that the Congress government will collapse after the bypolls. He said Yeddyurappa, who is into astrology predicting collapse of the government, had not visited Chamarajnagar due to fear of losing his office. “I visited the jinxed Chamrajnagar town six times whereas Yeddyurappa did not turn up even once hoping that he would remain in power,” he added.
He said many astrologers had predicted that Siddaramaiah would not present budget after completing two years in office. “I have presented 12 budgets and will present one more and will not believe in the predictions of Yeddyurappa,” he quipped.
Siddaramaiah said BJP leaders, who are on cloud nine after their party’s emphatic victory in Uttar Pradesh, are anticipating the repeat in Karnataka. He said Karnataka is the land of Lord Basaveshwara who believed in equality and social justice. Seeking vote for Keshavmurthy, he said the Congress is asking vote for development and will not target or criticise candidates of opposition parties.