Congress high command decides CM, says Basavaraj Bommai
Gadag: Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday alleged that the decision on who becomes Chief Minister in the Congress depends on the leadership of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, calling it against democratic principles.
Speaking to reporters in Gadag, he said internal conflicts have intensified within the party due to what he described as a struggle for power.
He stated that several Cabinet ministers are trying to retain their positions, while others are seeking ministerial berths citing repeated electoral victories. New entrants are also demanding positions, he added. Bommai further said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is making efforts to retain his post.
Referring to Mallikarjun Kharge, Bommai said he is a senior leader and may feel he deserves the Chief Minister’s post based on seniority.
‘Family-based party’ Bommai alleged that there is confusion within the Congress regarding who constitutes the high command. While some leaders refer to Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Kharge as the high command, others refer only to the Gandhi family, he said.He described the Congress as a family-based party and claimed that the decision on leadership depends on the preferences of the Gandhi family.
‘Government has come to a standstill’Responding to a question on governance, Bommai alleged that the administration has slowed down due to political differences.
He also claimed that funds allocated in previous budgets have not been fully utilised, alleging that around Rs 14,000 crore from the last budget and about Rs 10,000 crore from the previous year remain unspent.
Bommai further said that differences between the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar are affecting governance, and alleged that officials are unable to function effectively.