With yet another controversy involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah erupting, the Congress high command is expected to seek an explanation from him on the alleged favouritism in awarding a contract to a private firm jointly owned by his son to establish a diagnostic lab at the government-run Victoria Hospital in the city.
Sources in the party said that Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president G. Parameshwara called on Central leaders on Friday and reportedly briefed them about various developments, including the lab controversy.
Recently, the party high command had sought detailed information from the Chief Minister when the Opposition attacked the creation of the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
Dr. Parameshwara, who also holds the Home portfolio and is president of the Karnataka Athletic Association, visited Delhi to attend an athletic meet.
Caste census impact
After the meeting, he called on Central leaders and is believed to have briefed them about the impact of the caste census data on State politics and the latest controversy involving the Chief Minister’s son.
Meanwhile, Digvijaya Singh, Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka affairs, said he had suggested to Mr. Siddaramaiah that his son quit the company which was given a contract for setting up the diagnostic laboratory.
“The whole thing is totally transparent. It was the lowest tender by the company. The file never came to the Chief Minister. I have not asked for an inquiry… I have only advised that he withdraws. It is not an order, but an advice. Legally, the CM’ son does not have to quit. As a (matter of) propriety, he may,” Mr. Singh told PTI in New Delhi, when asked whether he had asked the Chief Minister to ensure that his son resigns.
Veteran Congress leaders, including former KPCC president B. Janardhana Poojary, who have been sidelined by Mr. Siddaramaiah, have criticised the Chief Minister. Mr. Poojary openly stated that the Chief Minister’s son should not have been involved in a government contract.
The whole thing is totally transparent… Legally, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son does not have to quit the company post. But as a matter of propriety, he may.
Digvijaya Singh,Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka affairs
