State JD(S) president H Vishwanath's remarks about Siddaramaiah received sharp criticism from Congress leaders on Monday also, with Food & Civil Supplies Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan saying that Vishwanath himself did 'chamchagiri' during S M Krishna regime.
"We are not 'chamchas', but we are staunch admirers of Siddaramaiah. If Siddaramaiah is not popular, why people want him to be the chief minister again. But, people and Congress leaders want him to become the chief minister in 2023, and not now," he said.
Meanwhile, Revenue Minister R V Deshpande stated that Vishwanath should not create unncessary confusion by giving such statements, which may help opposition parties.
"I have worked in the Cabinet of eight chief ministers. All governments did well, but Siddaramaiah government gave maximum funds for development works, pro-people initiatives, and social welfare. Winning less seats in elections is different, as even good workers get defeated sometimes," he said.
I ask Congress leaders not to say that Siddaramaiah would be the chief minister soon, as it would create confusion. Nobody can change the agreement between the high-commands of Congress and JD(S) to have chief minister from JD(S) and deputy chief minister from Congress for five years, he said.
Let Vishwanath say anything. I know who brought Siddaramaiah to Congress, Deshpande added.
MLC Basavaraj Horatti of JD(S) also urged JD(S) leaders not to speak against Congress leaders, but to follow 'Maitri Dharma'.