Mysore: Siddaramaiah denies defending Margaret Alva

Mysuru, Nov 10: The former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday, Nov 9 said that he did not defend senior Congress leader Margaret Alva"s outburst that the Congress sold party ticket during the recent Assembly elections in the State. He maintained that he only suggested that the party high command take serious note of the allegations.

However, Mr. Siddaramaiah refused to comment further on the matter. The Congress leader said he abstained from the recent party meetings because of personal reasons. "There is no political reason for my absence at the party meetings," he said.

When asked about the frequent meetings of the Congress MLAs, who are his supporters, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, “They are not political meetings. Whenever we wish to meet they come together. No importance should be attached to these meetings."

He denied reports on his plans of launching a regional party and made it clear that he was not leaving the Congress. "Why should I leave the Congress when I am happy here," he asked.

He also denied rumours that he met former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani. Mr. Siddaramaiah said he was not aware about his party"s plans to hold a mega backward classes" convention in the city. "If the party is holding the convention, they will surely consult me," he said.

OneIndia News