Working with CM Siddaramaiah is impossible: Ambareesh

 

With the Cabinet reshuffle on Sunday, the biggest worry for the Karnataka Congress came in the form of Mandya leader and former Minister HM Ambareesh, who resigned from his MLA seat on Monday.

In response to the controversy, Ambareesh held a press conference in his residence and spoke about CM Siddaramaiah and the Cabinet reshuffle. 

 

Q: What do you want to say about the reshuffling?

A: If asked, I would have happily given my resignation. I have always maintained my dignity and self-respect. I never yearned for power. He (CM Siddaramaiah) deemed that I am capable and gave me a ministerial position. Now he believes that I am incapable and has taken power away from me. In fact, I know what my capabilities are, and I don’t need a certificate from anybody. 

 

Q: But why did you resign from your MLA seat?

A: He has disrespected a people’s representative like me. When he thinks that I am incapable of being a minister, why I should continue as an MLA also? 

 

Q: Do you have any second thoughts about your decision?

A: I will not take back my resignation for any reason. He has sacked leaders like V Srinivas Prasad, who is a Dalit leader, a great thinker and a rationalist. Who am I when compared to such a great statesman? Just an ordinary actor. Working under Siddaramaiah once again is impossible for me.

 

Q: The CM has said that he felt your achievements are not satisfactory.

A: During the Chamundeshwari by-election, I went door-to-door in my constituency and demanded my people vote for Siddaramaiah. In places like Bogadi, where there Congress has not roots, I built up the party presence, especially within my caste, and ensured that Siddaramaiah won the election. 

 

Q: What do you feel the CM should have done?

A: He should have called me and consulted me about the reshuffle. I have worked for the Congress for 46 years. I have dignity and some popularity. I have maintained a clean profile. I have not harmed anyone or taken any revenge, even against my so-called enemies. Is he Hitler to make decisions like this?

 

Q: Do you think there is a conspiracy behind this Cabinet reshuffle?

A: Either the CM or the conspirers should ponder over this question. I don’t know who has conspired for this issue.

 

Q: Your supporters in Mandya say that Ramya has influenced this reshuffle

A: Why do you drag that girl into this issue? I don’t think she has influenced anything. She doesn’t have that kind of political power. Please leave her alone.

 

Q: The people of Mandya do not seem to be happy with your decision.

A: Let them understand that Ambareesh has some self-dignity. When it is a question of my dignity, I don't care a damn about the demands of fans.