I am in Indian National Congress, not Siddu Congress: R Roshan Baig

A day after he was suspended from the Congress on charges of anti-party activities, former minister and Shivajinagar MLA R Roshan Baig on Wednesday said he will decide on his future course of action after consulting senior leaders in the state.

“I am a disciplined soldier of the party. I have not committed any anti-party activity. I just voiced the opinion of lakhs of concerned party workers,” Baig told reporters. He, however, did not take questions of his acquaintance with the kingpin of IMA scam Mohammad Mansoor Khan saying the case was before the special investigation team (SIT), and he will depose his version before the SIT.

The KPCC had recently issued a showcause notice to Baig after he made critical remarks against leaders. Two days before the counting of votes, he had lashed out at former CM Siddaramaiah, KPCC president Dinesh Gundu Rao and AICC general secretary KC Venugopal. He called Siddaramaiah arrogant, Rao a “flop-show” president, and Venugopal a “buffoon.”


“I have not criticised party president Rahul Gandhi, but only talked about the state of affairs in the state Congress. Is speaking the truth a crime,” he asked.

Baig said he will soon meet senior leaders including Ramalinga Reddy, HK Patil, Mallikarjun Kharge, and KH Muniyappa as well as discuss with party workers on what to do next. He will also consult them on whether he should visit Delhi and meet national leaders.

NOT SIDDU CONGRESS
Baig said he was very much a part of the Indian National Congress (INC), and not Siddu Congress, when told about Siddaramaiah’s comment that one will reap what one sows (those who eat salt will have to drink water). The seven-time MLA wondered why the party has singled him out, and not taken any disciplinary action against those Congress leaders who defeated official candidates in Kolar, Tumakuru, Mandya and Mysuru.

“In my (Shivajinagar) constituency, the Congress got a lead of 14,900 votes, but the BJP was ahead by 25,000 votes in KPCC president’s constituency, 9,000 votes in Badami (Siddaramaiah’s constituency),” Baig said, and added he spoke out of concern for the party after the exit polls showed the party in poor light.

BAIG’S TAKE
I have not criticised party president Rahul Gandhi, but only talked about the state of affairs in the state Congress. Is speaking the truth a crime. I will soon meet senior leaders as well as discuss with party workers on what to do next.