Congress Issues Show Cause Notice To Hariprasad For Criticising Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

Amid the infighting in Karnataka Congress, the party has taken disciplinary action against BK Hariprasad over his veiled dig at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

A show cause notice has been issued by the party which stated that the MLC publicly criticized  Siddaramaiah and shared the platform with BJP and YSRCP leaders at a Backward Class conference in Bengaluru. He has been directed to provide an explanation for his remarks within 10 days.

Congress takes disciplinary action against BK Hariprasad

This comes in connection with Hariprasad on Saturday while addressing a speech took an indirect dig stating that some people wearing a Hublot watch along with a Panche (dhoti) cannot claim to be a Samajwadi (socialist), and one cannot become Devraj Urs (former CM known for social reforms) by sitting in his car.

Though he did not take any names during his speech, it was quite apparent that the comments were directed at Siddaramaiah, considering the references he made. He also expressed his displeasure over a Dalit leader like G Parameshwara (now Home Minister) not being considered by the Congress for the CM's post and an ST leader like Satish Jarkiholi for the Deputy Chief Minister's post.

The show case notice released by Congress said, "The Congress President has received a complaint of a violation of party by BK Hariprasad, MLC, and Permanent Invitee to Congress Working Committee. He is accused of criticizing Chief Minister Siddaramaih publicly and sharing the dais with BJP and YSR Congress Party leaders at a Backward Class conference in Bengaluru on September 9, 2023".

"The matter was referred to the Disciplinary Action Committee and the committee has decided to serve a show cause notice on him asking him to explain his conduct within 10 days".

Congress Ministers advise to Hariprasad 

Industries Minister MB Patil has now come forward advising Hariprasad not to vent out his grievances publicly and instead take it up with the party's high command.  

"He (BK Hariprasad) is a senior leader from our party and a seasoned politician. He had worked as an AICC general secretary. He has immense experience. But if he is speaking like this openly, it's not right. He can speak to Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi and sort it out.  Express your views to high command, not openly in public. It is not right for BK Hariprasad to make such statements," said Karnataka Minister Patil.

While Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that the party will observe everything, including Hariprasad's recent remarks, and will take appropriate decisions. "Positions come and go, but speaking like that on a public platform is unacceptable. Hariprasad damaged his own reputation," he added.