MLC AH Vishwanath challenges CM Siddaramaiah to take oath at Chamundeshwari Temple on power-transfer deal

Mysuru: Senior BJP leader and Legislative Council member A.H. Vishwanath on Friday challenged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to publicly clarify whether a power-transfer agreement exists between him and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Vishwanath said Siddaramaiah should visit the Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill and swear before the deity if no such agreement was made. “Let him stand before Goddess Chamundeshwari and declare, ‘I will remain Chief Minister for the full five years.’ Let him say it openly,” he demanded.

Vishwanath argued that D.K. Shivakumar, a “true Congressman,” had played a major role in bringing the party to power in 2023 and therefore must be given the opportunity to lead the government as promised. “Siddaramaiah must honour the commitment of transferring power,” he said.

Continuing his criticism, the BJP leader accused Siddaramaiah of lacking ideological loyalty. “He is neither a Congressman nor a JD(S) leader nor an AHINDA representative. He adjusts with anyone for political convenience,” he alleged.

Vishwanath also warned that internal party disputes turning into caste-based conflicts would be dangerous for the state. “Political disagreements between leaders are common, but caste conflicts are harmful. All this turmoil is happening because the government has gone back on its word regarding the power-sharing deal,” he claimed.

He further criticised MLC Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah for his recent remarks about Adichunchanagiri seer Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji. “Only Yathindra is speaking in favour of Siddaramaiah; no one else in the party is defending him,” Vishwanath remarked.

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