Siddaramaiah's Words Remain Actionable, Shivakumar Governing with His Suggestions: Parameshwara

Bengaluru, Sept 19: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said the views and suggestions of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah continued to carry weight in the government, asserting that Chief Minister D K Shivakumar was governing the state by taking his advice.

Reacting to Siddaramaiah's recent remarks that his influence over the government had limits since he was no longer the Chief Minister, Parameshwara said the senior Congress leader should not feel that his words were inconsequential.

"Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should not think that his words are not actionable. He does not act that way. He is a senior and gave up the Chief Minister's position. D K Shivakumar is governing by taking his suggestions," Parameshwara told reporters near his residence here.

Siddaramaiah had on Friday said that although he had been making efforts to get his demands implemented, he knew "how much will happen and how much will not", noting that implementation ultimately rested with the incumbent government. His remarks came amid discussions within the Congress over governance and the implementation of issues, including the caste survey.

Parameshwara's comments came against the backdrop of continued speculation over the power equations within the ruling Congress, with Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar and other senior leaders articulating their views on governance and party affairs.

On the proposed special session of the Legislature, Parameshwara said it had been convened to discuss the drought situation, farmers' issues and the Kasturirangan report concerning the Western Ghats.

He accused the BJP of politicising the issues and said the state government needed to approach the Centre for drought relief.

"If we are saying that we should do good for the drought situation and farmers, the BJP is doing politics. The special session was called to discuss the drought and the Kasturirangan report. A delegation needs to go to the Centre for drought relief," he said.

Questioning the Opposition's proposed protests and demand for the government's resignation, Parameshwara said democratic protests were legitimate but should be undertaken according to the circumstances.

Referring to the recent Cabinet meeting in coastal Karnataka, he said 61 issues concerning the region had been discussed and decisions taken. He stressed that the measures were aimed at benefiting the people.

"We have emphasised development keeping the coastal areas in mind. Whether it will benefit the party is a secondary issue. But it will benefit the common man," he said.

On his meeting with AICC leaders, Parameshwara said the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was discussed and described the possibility of 1.07 crore voters being left out as a serious issue.

"No voter should be denied his rights. It is true that those who died and shifted have been removed. But injustice should not be done to genuine voters," he said.

He added that local body elections were also discussed during his meeting with the Congress leadership.