Bengaluru: M. B. Patil’s statement that Siddaramaiah himself will continue as Chief Minister for the next five years, has sparked heated argument after Congress CLP meeting held on May 24.
According to sources, MP D. K. Suresh strongly objected to M. B. Patil’s statement.
The “tough” talk between the two of them for a few moments left the ruling party MLAs stunned. Thus it is proved once again that all is not well in the inner house. This incident, which took place before an important meeting related to cabinet expansion in New Delhi, would make Karnataka High Command take a cautious step.
A meeting of the Congress Legislature Party was organised at Vidhana Soudha on the morning of May 24. MLAs, MLCs and MPs participated in it.
After the meeting was over, when they were leaving one by one, D. K. Suresh stated in a loud summoned Patil to come near him. Patil, who was on his way to his office, was distracted for a moment. Later, when Patil came near him, Suresh referring to his statement about Siddaramaiah, raised his voice and said, “Who are you to say that ? M. B. Patil also lost patience with this and retorted, “Who are you to ask that?”
It was certain that there would be a scuffle between the two, and the MLA immediately intervened and prevented the situation from turning into a disaster. The two stared at each other and walked out. Before leaving Suresh implicitly warned, “Be a little stronger.” Eyewitness MLAs said that Patil replied, “You come to my office, and let’s talk there.”
After the incident, when reporters asked Patil about Suresh’s warnings Patil said, “My parents did not warn me. I am not weak enough to be warned. The word ‘take warning’ does not exist in our dictionary. If necessary, we will give a warning,” he retorted.
“There has been no talk between us. Suresh called me in plural with respect. Then he said to me to be stronger. I have told him to come to my office and talk there. Nothing else happened except this. I have worked as an MLA six times, Water Resources Minister for five years and Home Minister. I am a Senior Leader. Patil indirectly warned that he has been in politics for thirty years.