Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s leadership is secure and not under threat, despite the BJP’s claims, asserted Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Wednesday.
Gundurao accused the opposition of waging a deliberate campaign to “destabilise” the Congress government by spreading “misinformation and amplifying legal challenges”.
“There is no court deciding the Chief Minister’s future,” Rao stated, addressing reporters. “The BJP is spreading these lies because they excel at misinformation campaigns. We have complete faith in Siddaramaiah’s leadership.”
Gundurao affirmed that the Congress administration remains focused on governance, with Siddaramaiah firmly in control. “The Chief Minister will continue to lead, unshaken by the BJP’s relentless tactics. Our priority remains delivering for the people of Karnataka.”
Gundurao’s remarks came in response to rumours suggesting that Siddaramaiah’s position as Chief Minister is precarious due to ongoing legal matters.
Dismissing these concerns, Gundurao accused the BJP of attempting to undermine Siddaramaiah’s leadership as part of a broader strategy to disrupt stable governments across the country.
“BJP cannot stand the sight of a stable government in Karnataka,” Gundurao said. “Their strategy revolves around creating chaos, toppling governments, and dividing parties through tactics like Operation Lotus. Karnataka is just another target in their nationwide campaign of instability.”
Gundurao’s criticism extended to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, whom he accused of acting at the behest of the central government.
He said while the Governor swiftly approvedSiddaramaiah’s prosecution, he delayed action on cases involving leaders of the BJP and its allies like Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and former ministers Shashikala Jolle and Murugesh Nirani.
“The Governor’s rapid approval of prosecution against our Chief Minister, while he dragged his feet on cases involving BJP leaders, clearly reflects bias,” Gundurao charged.
Gundurao clarified that the legal proceedings involving Siddaramaiah are not about any wrongdoing by the CM but rather relate to the appropriateness of the Governor’s sanction for investigation. “The court is not judging whether Siddaramaiah committed any offence; it is evaluating the Governor’s decision. The BJP’s narrative is a calculated distortion,” Rao emphasised.
Gundurao accused the BJP of “prioritising political disruption” over addressing the state’s needs, alleging that the opposition is more focused on spreading confusion than advocating Karnataka’s interests. “BJP leaders are not concerned about securing the funds and projects Karnataka deserves from the Centre. Their agenda is to create confusion and distract from their failures,” he said.
He also addressed concerns about rural healthcare, dismissing claims of shortages in hospitals and highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to recruit doctors on a contract basis. “It’s misleading to suggest that hospitals are lacking materials or medicines. We are actively working to address these issues, including cracking down on quacks, which have long plagued our healthcare system,” the minister noted.
