Siddu goes belligerent, says BJP targeting Muslim, Christian ministers

Bengaluru, Jul 12: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday accused the Opposition BJP of targeting ministers belonging to minority communities. “The BJP's agenda is to target minorities. You (BJP members) have been targeting K J George (Bengaluru Development Minister), Roshan Baig (Urban Development Minister) and Qamar-ul-Islam (former minister). You are anti-minorities,” he said in the Legislative Assembly, countering the BJP's demand for George's resignation following the suicide of DySP M K Ganapathi.

The chief minister insisted that George had nothing to do with the suicide, and said the BJP did not have the moral right to seek the resignation of any minister.

Siddaramaiah's belligerent reply came after Leader of Opposition Jagadish Shettar called him “arrogant”.

In 2013, the chief minister had reportedly defended the suspension of police inspector G N Mohan who had registered a case against Siddaramaiah's son.

Mohan, during his posting in Mysuru, had lodged a case against Siddaramaiah's son Rakesh during the 2013 Assembly elections.

The officer was suspended and later given a non-executive posting in Karwar. “The chief minister defended his son while speaking to the media. He asked if he should keep quiet if somebody troubles his son,” Shettar said, quoting media reports.

Siddaramaiah replied, “My statement has been twisted. He (Mohan) had filed a case against my son though he was not involved. It was a false case. So we took action against him.”

CM arrogant'

Shettar hit back, saying that it showed the chief minister' “arrogance”. Shettar also accused Siddaramaiah of “shielding” his aide K Marigowda who is accused of abusing Mysuru Deputy Commissioner C Shikha.

He said the government “failed” to arrest Marigowda. The chief minister is protecting him, so police are reluctant to arrest him, Shettar suggested. The Marigowda issue was also discussed in the Legislative Council.