BJP criticized Pratap Simha for supporting the plan to name roads after Siddaramaiah

BJP leader L Nagendra, Raghu and others at a press conference in Mysuru on Thursday. | Photo Credit: MA Sriram

After Chief Minister Siddaramaiah quit the BJP, the road naming issue has split with party leaders in Mysuru accusing former MP Pratap Simha of being involved in “buttering” the Congress.

Mr. Simha supported the proposal to name a section of KRS Road in Mysuru after Mr. Siddaramaiah as his contribution to the city cannot be ignored.

Hitting out at Mr. Simha here on Thursday, BJP OBC Morcha state president Raghu accused the former MP of “holding a bucket” (“balti hideodu”) Kannada phrase to appease the Curry side.

He said that the party’s stand was clear and there was no objection to naming a new road after Mr. Siddaramaiah, but the existing name should not be changed.

Mr. Raghu, in Mr. Simha’s opinion, said it was nothing but a “bucket statement” and urged the former MP to avoid taking a stand that differs from the party’s official stand. Raghu said that if he continues in the same order, the attention of the party leaders will be drawn.

“Mr. Simha should stop holding the bucket,” he added.

Incidentally, Mr. Simha was denied a ticket to contest as an MP from Mysore for the third time in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year and to contest again.

Since then, he is considered disaffected and does not often appear at official briefings and meetings of the party. When asked about the reason, Mr. Raghu said that he was not aware of his intentions and it could be due to political reasons.

City BJP President L Nagendra and others were present.