BJP can’t stop my swearing-in ceremony: KPCC president DK Shivakumar

BENGALURU/MYSURU: A day after the Yediyurappa government denied permission to KPCC president DK Shivakumar’s swearing-in ceremony, citing the Centre’s Covid-19 guidelines, Congress said it was a political conspiracy and BJP would not be able to stop the event despite its attempts.
Shivakumar said he would write to the chief minister again, seeking permission to hold the virtual event on June 14. “I had believed Yediyurappa will not indulge in petty politics and will walk the talk. This is the event of Congress workers, no one can stop it,” he said.
Denying permission is vendetta: Ex-CM
You (BJP government) can make attempts to stop it, but I will hold it whenever you give permission. I will organise it, abiding by the law,” said a miffed Shivakumar, addressing a hurriedly convened presser on Wednesday.
Congress legislature party leader Siddaramaiah had another take. “It’s nothing but a political vendetta. We will not ask for permission again but will fight the issue politically,’’ the former CM tweeted.
The event called ‘Pratijna Dina’ was planned for June 14, after it was postponed twice, from May 31 and June 7, due to Covid-19-related restrictions in place. Congress had planned to invite around 150 senior leaders, and livestream the event to about 10 lakh party workers across the state.
Veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP government of “political vengeance” and said the ruling party “does not believe in democracy”. He added, “It shows their prejudice towards opposition parties.”
Both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah questioned the state government’s stand visa-vis BJP holding virtual rallies in Bihar and West Bengal.
“Why is the law different for them and us? it was our idea to hold such a virtual event. BJP has not only hijacked it but is also deliberately denying permission to our event,” Shivakumar said.
Siddaramaiah said Yediyurappa had given permission orally. “This is a repressive conspiracy,” he said.
Revenue minister R Ashoka quipped that the government would consider changing the rules for one person. “I will discuss with Yediyurappa to change norms only for Shivakumar,” he said.