Skepticism surrounds Karnataka CM’s visit to BJP MP

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited BJP MP V Srinivas Prasad at his Jayalakshmipuram home on Saturday morning, ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s planned visit to Mysuru for party campaigning.

Although Siddaramaiah characterised the visit as a polite inquiry to find out how this longstanding colleague was doing, BJP officials expressed concern over its timing, acknowledging the importance of SC and ST votes in the political dynamics of the Mysuru area.

Siddaramaiah was in Mysuru because he was campaigning for party candidate M Lakshmana at the Congress party convention held at the Bhoothale Grounds in Vidyaranyapuram, which is a portion of the Krishnaraja assembly seat.

While on his way, Siddaramaiah stopped for lunch at the Kuvempunagar home of former minister Geetha Mahadevaprasad and spontaneously decided to meet with his old colleague who was now his opponent, Prasad.

Former revenue minister Prasad had accused Siddaramaiah of being the reason for his expulsion from the government after the latter was removed from office. Prasad thereafter left the Congress to join the BJP. His newly published book, “Swabhimaniya Nenapugalu,” provides further proof of his dissatisfaction with Siddaramaiah.

Even though Prasad had earlier said that he was retiring from electoral politics, he was very disappointed when his son-in-law, Dr. N S Mohan, was not given a ticket by the saffron party for the Chamarajanagar Lok Sabha constituency. He disassociated himself from party operations, but his brother Ramaswamy and other family members joined the Grand Old Party, as did their followers.

In the Lok Sabha elections, Prasad reaffirmed his political retirement and his incapacity to participate in public campaigning for any candidate, while Siddaramaiah asked for his support for the Congress. He did, however, express hope over the political environment that would support a Congress triumph in Chamarajanagar.

In reference to PM Modi’s upcoming trip to Mysuru, Prasad said he had not received an invitation for the convention from BJP officials. “Neither the party nor any of the leaders have asked me to the event. I have not gotten an invitation. That’s why I won’t be at the function,” he said.

Apart from Congress contenders M Lakshmana and Sunil Bose, BJP contenders and officials have paid a visit to Srinivasprasad’s home to solicit his endorsement.

The CM’s connection to Prasad

After being removed from the cabinet, V Srinivas Prasad joined the BJP after quitting the Congress and accusing Siddaramaiah of being the reason for his expulsion as a minister. More proof of his dissatisfaction with Siddaramaiah can be found in his newly published book, “Swabhimaniya Nenapugalu.” Even though Prasad announced his retirement from electoral politics, he was nevertheless disappointed when his son-in-law, Dr. N S Mohan, was not given a ticket by the saffron party for the Chamarajanagar seat. He disassociated himself from partygoing.