Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Jun 20: The suspension of Shivajingar MLA, R Roshan Baig, for his verbal tirade against Siddaramaiah's leadership has caused lot of heartburn within the party. The suspension appears to be giving rise to far-reaching consequences in the form of creation of two factions, one of 'original' Congressmen, and the other, of migrants who joined the Congress from other parties, led by former chief minister, Siddaramaiah.
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, Dinesh Gundu Rao, has been claiming that Baig was suspended for criticising party leaders whereas Baig has claimed that Siddaramaiah had played a role in his suspension from the party.
Siddaramaiah (left) and Roshan Baig
Reportedly, the Congressmen who have all along been associated with the party, have turned angry but they are not in a position to openly say anything. Baig has been suspended for openly demeaning Siddaramaiah and Congress party affairs Karnataka in-charge, K C Venugopal. Some leaders are heard commenting that Baig being a senior leader, could have been let off with a warning. Reportedly veteran party leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, K H Muniyappa, Ramalinga Reddy and H K Patil are unhappy at the decision of the party to suspend Baig.
Baig, who is aware of this, said that he would take a decision on his suspension after holding deliberations with senior leaders of the party. "I am a disciplined soldier of the party. I have been suspended for showing the courage to tell the truth. Leader of Congress legislature party, Siddaramaiah, has a hand in my suspension," he stated.
It is said that Siddaramaiah, during his New Delhi visit, convinced high command by offering clarification for the charges levelled against him. He also has tried to take control of the party by retaining Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, Dinesh Gundu Rao and working president, Ishwar Khandre, and dismantling all other posts. This move, it is learnt, has infuriated original Congressmen.
Baig said that he has been suspended for telling truth and expressing the general opinion of party workers. He said he has never spoken against Rahul Gandhi. "I am in Indian National Congress. Siddaramaiah is not. I will speak to senior party leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, K H Muniyappa, H K Pati and Ramalinga Reddy," he said. He stated that he will take further decision on his suspension after consulting the leaders.
Dinesh Gundu Rao said that Roshan Baig had spoken ill of senior party leaders and failed to provide explanation for his behaviour even after serving notice. On the basis of complaint made to the high command, he has been suspended, he stated. "Roshan Baig incident is a warning bell for people going against the party. If they have any problem, they can discuss the same in the party forum. It is not right to praise leaders when in power and going against the party when not in power. Everyone should follow party discipline," he added.