Ex-CM’s b’day fete: Cong men fume at BJP

Belagavi/ Shivamogga: Likening former chief minister and leader of opposition in the assembly Siddaramaiah to political stalwarts of yore such as Ram Manohar Lohia and George Fernandes, Congress functionary Arvind Dalawai, the organising secretary for the 75th birthday celebrations of the former CM, on Saturday lashed out at the BJP for condemning the ‘Siddaramotsava’ scheduled to be held in Davanagere on August 3.
In Belagvi, Dalawai said that Siddaramaiah transcended caste, party and religion. “The event celebrates the contribution of Siddaramaiah towards the poor, and his efforts to improve Karnataka’s economy. Thousands of his followers will converge in Davanagere to celebrate Siddaramaiah’s manifold contributions,” he said.
The BJP has been vocal in criticising the event, which they opined was Siddaramaiah’s bid to curry favour with the Congress high command. Dalawai, however, said the former CM’s schemes aimed at uplifting the poor, and his stature as a tall leader in Karnataka, were the reasons for celebrating the event. Dalawai said around 20 lakh people were expected to attend the event, of whom one lakh would be from Belagavi.
‘A tall figure in state politics’
Former minister H Anjaneya, who has been on a tour of Shivamogga to spread word about Siddaramaiah’s 75th birthday celebrations, lashed out at those in the media for terming the event ‘Siddaramotsava’. “Supporters of the former CM are celebrating the event as ‘Amritha Mahotsava’,” he said.
Admitting that he could not be certain of Siddaramaiah ascending the CM’s chair again if the Congress returned to power, Anjaneya said, “But he is, without doubt, a tall figure in politics after former CM D Devaraja Urs.”
Anjaneya said the event would focus on Siddaramaiah’s personal life as well as his political journey. On claims by BJP leaders that Congress could split following the celebrations, Anjaneya said such remarks indicated the saffron party’s insecurity. “The CM is chosen by the high command, after thorough deliberations during the election,” said Anjaneya, responding to a query on the party announcing its chief ministerial candidate.