Congress dissidents demand scrutiny, evaluation of ministers’ performance

BENGALURU: Efforts by the Congress leadership over the past fortnight to quell brewing dissidence within the party appears to have yielded only partial results. Although the government is barely three months old, many of them have demanded an “evaluation of the performance of ministers”. They want “poor performers” to be replaced with fresh faces.
Although chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar have held a legislature party meeting (CLP) and district-wise meetings with MLAs, a significant section of legislators is still dissatisfied.
Basavaraj Rayareddi, senior MLA who represents Yelburga, stirred up a fresh row on Saturday saying the “corrupt image” of state government is picking up traction and will not augur well for Congress in next year’s Lok Sabha elections.
BR Patil, senior MLA from Aland, whose letter to Siddaramaiah is said to have forced the leadership into holding the CLP meeting, said: “The CM and DyCM have held meetings with MLAs in the presence of ministers in charge of the respective district. But the conduct of some ministers and officials has still not changed. Siddaramaiah should now show political will and scrutinise ministers. He should sack ministers who are bringing disrepute to the government and party.”
But Naseer Ahmed, political secretary to the CM, said: “It is unfair to ask for an evaluation of a minister even before they complete three months in office. While it is too early for such an exercise, the CM will take steps to ensure equitable distribution of opportunities to all.” Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have met with MLAs from 20 districts and will cover the remaining 11, including Bengaluru Urban, on Wednesday and Thursday. The state Congress unit will also hold its general body meeting on Monday.
The main grouse of MLAs is that those who worked hard to strengthen the party ahead of the assembly polls were not rewarded with ministerial berths while others who did very little were rewarded. They also say legislators are not being taken into confidence in administrative matters like transfer of officials and funds for developmental works.
For example, Rayareddi was secretary general and RV Deshpande chairman of the committee that hosted ‘Siddaramotsava’, a massive event in Davanagere to mark Siddaramaiah’s 75th birthday in August last year. The event is said to have given Congress a legup in the assembly elections, but neither Rayareddi nor Desphande were inducted into the cabinet.
“I can’t deny that a large section of MLAs loyal to the party is nursing a sense of disappointment and pain. Siddaramaiah is an able administrator and I hope he takes corrective measures,” said Rayareddi.
Some ministers also appear to be unhappy with portfolios allocated to them. Ramalinga Reddy, KPCC working president and transport minister, said: “Cadres feel I should have been given a bigger portfolio (like Bengaluru development) considering my seniority. But the important thing is to ensure party workers are properly rewarded.
We have asked the leadership to fill posts in boards and corporations and reshuffle party posts so that cadres are given opportunities.”