BENGALURU: Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president G Parameshwara on Thursday warned ministers against shooting their mouths off about the functioning of the coalition government. Taking exception to some of the ministers and even MLAs going to the media expressing their solidarity with former chief minister Siddaramaiah and making comments even against Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, Parameshwara reportedly warned the ministers against raising “discordant notes”.
Parameshwara did some tough talking as the party leadership has decided to send a strong message to those trying to indulge in show of strength with Siddaramaiah and in the process causing hiccups in the smooth functioning of the JD(S)-Congress coalition government.
The issue of ministers Ramesh Jarkiholi and Shivananda Patil along with many party MLAs holding confidential meetings with Siddaramaiah at a time when the party leadership is struggling to cope with the ripples caused by the latter’s videotapes figured prominently in the meeting.
Congress strongman and irrigation minister D K Shivakumar too is said to have warned of strong action against those who work against the interests of the party and coalition government as the party high command wants to ensure that the coalition government functions smoothly for five years.
“The Congress high command has taken serious note of the statements and conduct of some of the party ministers and MLAs trying to rally behind some individuals (read Siddaramaiah) as a show of strength. All of you will lose your ministerial berths if this government is brought down. Concentrate on your work instead of indulging in personality-oriented politics,” Shivakumar reportedly said addressing the ministers.
According to sources, Shivakumar and Parameshwara issued gag orders to ministers and said that only Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretary K C Venugopopal and Parameshwara himself are authorised to speak on issues related to the coalition government.
Ministers air grievances
The entire exercise is being seen as a message to the ministers to stay away from Siddaramaiah, who is emerging as a parallel power centre within the coalition.His political activities during his stay at a nature cure centre are being seen as signs of defiance against the party high command’s “soft approach towards JD(S).”
The meeting discussed many other issues including the alleged interference of PWD Minister H D Revanna in the affairs of other ministers. Many ministers expressed their grievances in getting officers of their choice for key posts in their departments. Greater coordination was advocated between Congress and JD(S) ministers in the transfer of officials.
Later, speaking to reporters, Parameshwara said, “We discussed the need to sort out some confusion and grievances in the coalition government as Lok Sabha elections are approaching. I apprised the ministers about the instructions from the party high command to ensure smooth functioning of the coalition government and the responsibility of the ministers in this regard.”