Muzrai and fisheries minister KS Basavanthappa speaks at a civic felicitation event held in Davanagere
With folded hands, Basavanthappa said he was ready to plead and even fall at Mallikarjun’s feet to secure his cooperation for development works in his Mayakonda constituency, which is reserved for Scheduled Castes. The first-time MLA alleged that key administrative decisions and projects were being delayed owing to misinformation and lack of communication with the district leadership. The minister’s unusual public appeal has triggered political discussion over differences within the ruling party and the equations between elected representatives and influential district leaders. The episode has also put the spotlight on Congress unity in Davanagere, with Basavanthappa’s remarks exposing apparent mistrust between sections of the district leadership. The public airing of grievances could prove embarrassing for the party, particularly as Basavanthappa linked the differences to development works in his constituency. The episode has put pressure on Congress leaders to iron out differences and ensure that the political tussle does not affect governance in the district.
Davanagere : Differences within the Karnataka Congress came into the open on Sunday after muzrai and fisheries minister KS Basavanthappa made an emotional appeal to senior party leader and Davanagere district minister SS Mallikarjun during a civic felicitation programme at Gandhi Nagar.