A day after his public criticism of Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over alleged lack of development in Bengaluru during the last seven months, Congress MLA and BDA chairman S.T. Somashekar on Monday expressed his regret and apologised to the Chief Minister.
In a damage-control move, AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka K.C. Venugopal directed State Congress president Dinesh Gundu Rao to seek a clarification from Mr. Somashekhar, two-time MLA for Ye shwanthpur.
Mr. Rao tweeted, “Somashekar has now apologised for his criticism of the coalition government. Somashekar came to KPCC office and explained his statement to me. He expressed his regret and apologised to the CM for any anguish caused.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Rao warned Congress leaders and legislators not to make controversial statements and not to cross the “Lakshman rekha”.
Mr. Rao said any act of indiscipline by way of comments or behaviour would not be tolerated and disciplinary action would be initiated. “Our coalition with the JD(S) is for taking on the communal forces and unseating the anti-democratic forces ruling this country, and not for indulging in petty politicking,” he said.
Mr. Venugopal said, “The Congress high command has full faith in the State government and the Chief Minister.”
On Mr. Somashekar’s statement that a lot of work was done during Mr. Siddaramaiah’s tenure, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said Mr. Siddaramaiah was the best Chief Minister the State has ever had. “Mr. Siddaramaiah has been best the CM. He is our CLP leader. What is wrong in expressing opinions,” he said.
