BJP’s Simha accuses MB Patil of firing salvo against DKS

Mysuru: Mysuru BJP MP Pratap Simha on Monday accused industries and infrastructure minister MB Patil of firing the salvo against deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on behalf of CM Siddaramaiah.
This is second time within a week that Simha has supported Shivakumar accusing Congress leaders close to the CM of denying the Vokkaliga leader the CM’s gaddi.
Referring to the statements issued by Patil in favour of the CM, he said, “The minister issues statements on behalf of Siddaramaiah. This is a ploy to undermine Vokkaliga leadership in Congress.” “Patil will face the consequences,” he added.
Also on the statement issued by Patil against BJP national general secretary B L Santosh saying that Lingayat leaders are being targetted to make a Brahmin leader the CM, Simha said that it is Patil who tried to divide the Lingayat community.
Simha also lashed out at Congress for blaming BJP and the Union government for the denial of rice for the implementation of the Anna Bhagya scheme and asked the Siddaramaiah government to extend money instead of rice. “Let Congress transfer Rs 340 to the bank accounts of BPL card holders if it fails to provide free rice,” he stated.
He said the Congress-led government is now pinching the pockets of men to win over women by increasing power tariff, stamp and registration duty and taxes on liquor to fulfil its five poll guarantees. He also appealed to people to support the state-wide bandh call given by various members of commerce, trade and industries bodies on June 22.
Simha also hinted that BJP is likely to consider the name of Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for the opposition leader post. Speaking to reporters, he said that BJP is looking for a strong leader like Yatnal who can take on Congress.
“The party is looking for Hindutva firebrand leaders like Yatnal who strongly believes in the principles of the party. Recognising his leadership qualities and organisational skills, the then PM A B Vajpayee had inducted Yatnal in his cabinet,” he said.