Congress leaders accused of conspiring against Siddaramaiah

Kuruba leader Bailappa Nelogi (right) addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Monday.

Senior Kuruba community leader Bailappa Nelogi has accused the Congress of maintaining silence over the sting operation involving the former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah saying that it is part of a conspiracy to tarnish his image and force him out of the party.

Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Monday, Mr. Nelogi said that several Congress leaders who benefited politically from Mr. Siddaramaiah are remaining silent to protect their positions in the government and the party.

He urged the Congress high command to take note of the sentiments within the Kuruba community, warning that the perceived sidelining of Mr. Siddaramaiah could have political repercussions in the 2028 Assembly elections.

Crediting Mr. Siddaramaiah, whom he described as an AHINDA leader, for the Congress’s electoral performance, Mr. Nelogi said that the party won 122 seats in the 2013 Assembly elections and 135 seats in 2023 under his leadership.

He said that efforts are now being made to undermine Mr. Siddaramaiah and cautioned that the community and the people of the State will give a befitting reply to the party in the next Assembly polls.

President of the district unit of the Komaram Bheemgond Kuruba Samaj Basavaraj Madraki called for brain mapping tests on Power TV managing director Rakesh Shetty and Congress leader Kripa Alva.

He said that these tests should be conducted to establish the facts surrounding the sting operation. He also demanded a thorough investigation of the sting operation and stringent legal action against those found responsible for the conspiracy.