Bengaluru: Congress legislator Iqbal Hussain Tuesday criticised Yathindra Siddaramaiah for his comments on the tussle for the chief minister post, while insisting some “80-90” MLAs had thrown their support behind deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar and had urged the party high command to install him as CM. Later, just before leaving for New Delhi, Shivakumar urged party members to “maintain discipline” while commenting in public on the tussle for the top post. “Some 80-90 MLAs have requested the high command to give Shivakumar a chance (at the CM post) and we have left it for the high command,” Hussain, who represents Ramanagara in the assembly, told ANI. “We are a disciplined party, and we must behave decently. We don’t like him (Yathindra) frequently speaking in favour of his father and embarrassing the high command. Love for one’s father is one thing, but in politics, we must act with discipline. He should not be provoking others with such remarks.” Last week, Yathindra had said the high command had “settled” the issue, and that party brass in Delhi had decided that his father would continue as CM for the full term. “We all believe Shivakumar should be given a chance,” Hussain said. “Everyone wants it to happen, but we shouldn’t create confusion with conflicting remarks. That’s why everyone is quiet. I say with an open heart, as I said from the first day, that DK Shivakumar must be given a chance.” His views were echoed by Channaraj Hattiholi, MLC, who said, “DK Shivakumar should be made CM in this tenure.” Meanwhile, Shivakumar downplayed the comments, saying: “Let us ask the high command.” He also asked Congress members to refrain from making public statements on the issue “in the interest of the party”. Siddaramaiah made a similar appeal in Bengaluru, saying such talk only hurts the party.
