Mysore/Mysuru: Former MP Prathap Simha has launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging that the CM’s use of disrespectful language has set a poor example for Congress workers.

Speaking to reporters about the incident in which Shidlaghatta Municipal Commissioner Amrutha Gowda was abused and threatened by Congress leader Rajeev Gowda, Simha said that party cadres tend to mirror the conduct of their leadership.

“If Siddaramaiah himself used dignified language, his party workers would follow suit. But since the Chief Minister speaks lightly and in a demeaning manner, his workers imitate him. As the saying goes, ‘yatha raja, tatha praja’,” he said.

Simha also referred to an earlier controversy in Mysuru, where Deputy Commissioner C. Shikha was insulted by Siddaramaiah’s close associate. He claimed that such incidents reflect a continuing pattern of disrespect within the ruling Congress.

‘Dead governance’

Stepping up his criticism, Simha targeted both Siddaramaiah and Dy.CM D.K. Shivakumar, accusing them of presiding over what he termed “dead governance.”

Mocking the leadership, Simha said, “If Siddaramaiah is carrying the corpse of failed governance in front, Shivakumar is carrying it from behind. Whether it is borne forward or backwards, there                            is no difference.”

He further claimed that Shivakumar’s continued aspiration for the CM’s post only strengthens Siddaramaiah’s hold on power. “One truth remains — Siddaramaiah can never become another Devaraj Urs. He will soon fade from people’s minds and the day is not far when citizens forget him,” he said.

“It was the mistake of the people that brought Congress to power. Now Karnataka must endure two-and-a-half more years of dead governance. This Government will not collapse, but only the person sitting in the chair may change,” he said.

People of Chamaraja Constituency do not want leaders who create trouble. They want educated representatives who can serve responsibly. Even if someone does not do great favours, creating problems is unacceptable. The people here are educated and expect an educated representative. Former MLA H.S. Shankarlingegowda was a people-friendly leader, while another former MLA, Vasu, was development-oriented. I remember both with respect. The decision on who will contest from Chamaraja rests with the party high command. An aspirant is different from a candidate, yet some people speak as though they are the same.

—Ex-MP Prathap Simha