Bengaluru, March 13 Ruling Congress MLA H A Iqbal Hussain defended his statement criticizing the state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on March 6, saying his loyalty lies with his constituents.
The MLA representing the Ramanagara assembly segment faced backlash from his party workers, who are calling for his expulsion from the party.
A staunch supporter of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Hussain has been demanding a leadership change.
Speaking to reporters recently, Hussain had expressed his displeasure with the budget.
On Friday, Congress MLA Belur Gopalakrishna led the charge against Hussain, labeling his comments as "anti-party activities" that hamper the party's prospects.
"It's better to expel him from the party," he said.
During an interaction with media persons in Bengaluru on Friday, Hussain said he had no choice except to criticize the budget because no provisions were made to address the problems faced by his voters.
"I am not a government official. I am a people's representative. The people elected me and placed me in a position of responsibility. They gave me this position, honor, and respect through their votes, expecting that I would act according to certain principles. I must think about the people; I am not concerned about others," the Ramanagara MLA said.
He claimed that he had repeatedly appealed to the CM for development works in his constituency, but there was no response.
"I have made representations and explained my difficulties. I have told him (CM) about the situation on the ground in my constituency at least ten times. So I am speaking about my constituency. If I say I am not satisfied, what is wrong in that? I have not spoken about the entire state. I am only talking about my constituency," Hussain explained.
According to the MLA, the highway was not constructed scientifically, resulting in heavy flooding in the Bakshi Kere lake during the previous monsoon.
"Many people lost their valuables, documents and even their children’s schoolbooks. Their jewellery and property papers were washed away. The entire area was submerged. I have taken officials there about ten times and explained the situation with documents, describing all the hardships faced by the people. If even after ten visits there is no response, how should I face the people?" he sought to know.
Reacting to Hussain’s charges, Shivakumar told reporters in Bengaluru that his constituency has been taken care of in the budget.
"In Ramanagara district, we have sanctioned the construction of a court building, and we have provided other facilities as well. We have also made the announcement," the Deputy CM said.
State Home Minister G Parameshwara said party leaders should maintain party discipline.
"If we give statements within the limits of the party then nothing will happen, but if someone exceeds the brief, then the party high command will take note of it. We will never know how it happened. The ticket may be denied in the next election. The Screening Committee will question him for his statements," the Minister said.