'Yeddyurappa is a backseat driver'

The former MinisterH.K. Patil, Leader of the Opposition in theLegislative Assembly Siddaramaiah, and KPCCPresident G. Parameshwara in Hubli on Saturday. Photo: Kiran Bakale

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah has dubbed the former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa “a backseat driver”.

Mr. Siddaramaiah told presspersons on Saturday that Mr. Yeddyurappa was calling the shots even though Jagadish Shettar was the Chief Minister.

Allegation

“After looting the State, Mr. Yeddyurappa is now posing as a saint and as the son of a farmer.

“His government had failed in addressing the problems of farmers at the time of severe drought,” he said.

Mr. Siddaramaiah said that although the Centre had given adequate funds to the State, the government did not utilise those meant for providing drinking water to villages and for providing jobs under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Act.

‘Historic decision’

He termed the decision on amending Article 371 of the Constitution which would provide special status to the Hyderabad Karnataka region as “historic”.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president G. Parameshwara said that the party high command might not think of a change in leadership in the State before the next Assembly elections.