Mysuru: Former Minister V. Sreenivasa Prasad has likened Chief Minister Siddharamaiah to demon king Ravana, a mythological character in the epic Ramayana. He also mocked All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Rahul Gandhi calling him a ‘shouting commandant,’ who is being touted as the next Prime Minister of the country despite a series of electoral defeats.

Sreenivasa Prasad’s outburst comes within days of Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha calling Siddharamaiah ‘Siddaravanaiah,’ only to rile his followers. Prasad, who spoke to reporters at his residence yesterday said, “While Siddharamaiah is Ravana, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Dr.G. Parameshwara can be equated with Vibhishana, Ravana’s younger brother, known more for his good conduct.”

“Siddharamaiah is like Ravana, for he hatched a plot to defeat Parameshwara during the previous Assembly elections when he stood from Koratagere in Tumakuru district. Though fully aware of the plot, Parameshwara stayed mum. Hence, he truly fits the character of Vibhishana,” Prasad said.

Continuing the tirade against his political bête noire Siddharamaiah, Prasad, who joined the BJP after quitting the Congress for removing him from the Cabinet, said, “How come Siddharamaiah has now claimed Parameshwara to be his brother. These tactics do not work and Siddharamaiah must realise that. Siddharamaiah is good at lauding others, while AICC President Rahul Gandhi is a mere shouting commandant. Though the Gandhi scion is losing ground, he is being touted as the next Prime Minister.”

Taking severe exception to the CM inaugurating new buildings and laying foundation stones for new projects, Prasad said that the CM has realised that there is an anti-Congress wave in Karnataka. “It was unbecoming of his post when the CM compared the regime of the Congress with the Wadiyars by stating that the government had taken the State towards progress much like the erstwhile rulers of Mysuru,” he added.