Opposition in Karanatak up in arms over Surjewala ‘attending’ official meeting

Bengaluru: Just weeks into running the government in Karnataka, the Congress administration has ended up in trouble after Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala allegedly participated an official government meeting alongside Deputy CM D K Shivakumar.

Randeep Singh Surjewala, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary, reportedly was present at a discussion on improving the infrastructure in Bangalore in a meeting chaired by D K Shivakumar, who is also Bengaluru Development Minister, according to the Indian Express.

Shivakumar denied the allegations saying that Surjewala had not chaired any meeting, but the leader was with him when officers showed up.

However, Opposition BJP and JD(S) have not spared the opportunity calling out the administration with the BJP questioning ‘what is his (Surjewala) capacity or authority to chair the meeting with the BBMP and BDA Commissioners /Officials?’. Meanwhile, HD Kumaraswamy of JD(S) asked who allowed Sujrewala to ‘hold government meetings’.

A photo tweeted by the BJP showed Surjewala alongside Shivakumar, Energy Minister K J George, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Minority Affairs Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, Naseer Ahmed besides several other officials of the state.

Terming it a ‘ secret meeting’, the BJP said Gandhi family sent close aide Randeep Surjewala to decide on ‘Karnataka’s matters’.

‘Is this where the ‘85% deals’ are being orchestrated by the #ATMSarkara to raise funds ahead of 2024 Elections?’ the BJP questioned in the tweet.