"Some may say that Siddaramaiah and I belong to the backward class and should unite. With an intention that all of us should unite, we supported in 2013 (Siddaramaiah became CM for the first time)," he said.
He added, "We are not among those who go before the chief minister or a minister extending our hands (seeking favours), after supporting them. We work for the people and society, but don't go asking for things with selfish motives."
AdvertisementNoting that he only asked Mr Siddaramaiah to provide Rs 5 Crore for the Koti Chennaya theme park at Karkala in Udupi district to which he responded positively, but later nothing came, Mr Hariprasad remarked: "He cannot help me politically, rather I can help him politically."
With the intention of setting up a 'Gurupeetha' in Mangaluru University, Hariprasad said he had given Rs 50 lakh under MPLADs scheme, but the building is still under construction. "There was also an assurance of financial help for that, but not even one paisa came," he said.
"How much was given to the community, I leave that issue to seers and leaders to see...backward classes doesn't mean only one caste (seemingly referring to Kurubas to which the chief minister belongs). All those castes that come under backward classes should get equal rights," he said.
Mr Hariprasad also pointed out that Ediga, Billava, Namdhari and Deevaras are losing out on political opportunities, as the tickets to seats dominated by these castes are either being given to Christian or Muslim candidates.
When asked about the Congress leader's statement, Home Minister G Parameshwara, who seemed hesitant initially, said: "I don't know in what context he has spoken... Sometimes, leaders express their personal opinion."
Planning and Statistics Minister D Sudhakar said, "He (Hariprasad) is a senior leader...there is no discontent in the party. He may have shared personal opinions. (Party) High command will see."
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
