Sidda refutes ‘snub’ by Rahul amid Karnataka power tussle

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has refuted BJP leader Amit Malviya’s allegation that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, ‘humiliated’ him amid the Congress high command’s decision to stay away from the power-sharing tussle in the state.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi did not meet any Karnataka leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar, who have been staying in the national capital this week.

The CM clarified that his primary reason for visiting the national capital was to discuss Mysuru’s Dasara Air Show with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. “My primary work in Delhi was to meet Defence Minister Shri @rajnathsingh to discuss the Air Show during Dasara in Mysuru. Shri @RahulGandhi has immense affection for the people of Karnataka,” Siddaramaiah posted on X.

“He always remembers how Smt Indira Gandhi and Smt Sonia Gandhi were elected from Karnataka, and how the state has stood by the Congress at every critical juncture.”

The Chief Minister added that the Gandhi family, including Rahul, remains “deeply indebted” to the people of Karnataka, while AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge is “a proud Kannadiga.”

Earlier, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya alleged that Siddaramaiah was denied an appointment by Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Delhi and had to return without meeting him.

“Humiliation in Delhi for Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah! He travelled all the way to the capital, only to be denied an appointment by Rahul Gandhi — and has now returned without even a meeting,” Malviya said on X.