Bagalkote (Karnataka), April 3 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the BJP on Friday of adopting a "double standard" by bringing expelled MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal to campaign for the assembly by-elections.
Yatnal has been extensively campaigning in Bagalkote for BJP candidate Veerabhadrayya Charantimath, who is in a direct contest with Congress candidate Umesh Meti, the son of sitting MLA H Y Meti, whose death necessitated the April 9 by-election.
Yatnal, a prominent leader, was expelled from the BJP for anti-party activities after making a series of allegations, including against party stalwart and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and his sons—Shivamogga MP B Y Raghavendra and BJP state president and Shikaripura MLA B Y Vijayendra—regarding dynastic politics and corruption.
Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah said bringing Yatnal in for campaigning shows that the BJP is losing the election.
"Once the BJP realized it would lose the election, it brought back those it had expelled. On one hand, the BJP expels him (Yatnal); on the other, it brings him back, praises him, and makes him campaign. Isn't this a double standard?" the CM asked.
According to him, roping in Yatnal indicates that the opposition party is in a "weak position."
On the BJP's allegation that the budget favors minorities, Siddaramaiah asked whether they are not citizens of India. "Do you know what percentage they constitute? More than 14 per cent. In our budget, we have provided for everyone, including them," he said.
Responding to the opposition's charge that the Congress is "misusing power and money" to win the by-elections, Siddaramaiah said the BJP was doing so instead.
"The BJP has no limits when it comes to telling lies. There is no truth in what it says, and it does not act according to its words. I do not react much to the BJP. Out of fear of losing this constituency, it is saying whatever comes to its mouth," the CM said.
On the proposed increase in Lok Sabha seats and its impact on the state, Siddaramaiah said the exercise should be based on population, but without any discrimination. "Seats should not be reduced for southern states while being increased for northern states. There must be uniformity," he said.
On the auto-LPG shortage that has led to long queues of autorickshaws at LPG stations, he said the Centre must address the issue.
"It is the responsibility of the Centre to supply gas cylinders, not the state government. The state only distributes what is supplied. The Centre should be held accountable," he said.
Dismissing the BJP's claim that the bypoll results would affect state politics and his position, Siddaramaiah said the Congress would win both Bagalkote and Davanagere seats.