Differences of opinion have emerged between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his ministerial colleague Basavaraj Rayareddy over the appointment of academician H Maheshappa as Congress party’s IT cell general secretary.
Defending his party’s decision, Siddaramaiah on Monday said Maheshappa’s crimes weren’t as grave as they were being made to seem, especially when compared to the charges being faced by BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa.
Maheshappa was suspended as Visvesvaraya Technological University vice-chancellor by Governor Vajubhai Vala last March, after it was established that he had abused his power and indulged in several illegalities and irregularities.
“Yeddyurappa faced imprisonment for the crimes that he had committed. But the BJP went ahead and appointed him the party’s state president. Maheshappa has only lost the post of VC. Are his crimes bigger than those of Yeddyurappa’s?” asked Siddaramaiah.
Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy, however, had a different take on the matter. When his reaction was sought, Rayareddy said he will write to KPCC president asking him to reconsider the party’s decision as Maheshappa was facing serious charges.
The Congress appointed Maheshappa the IT cell general secretary on September 26.