Karnataka Water Resources Minster MB Patil revealed his desire to become the Chief Minister of the state in no uncertain terms, while speaking at a press conference on the occasion of Karnataka Rajyotsava in Vijayapur on Wednesday.
Defending his intentions, the minister said that there is no greed in wanting to become the Chief Minister. "Anyone can become the Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah is the Chief Minister now and we are administering the state under his leadership. After Siddaramaiah's turn, I am next," said the Congress leader.
He also highlighted the contributions made by the current regime in water conservation in North Karnataka, where the leader is actively campaigning. "There are many new projects and attempts to make Vijayapura a drought-free district," he added.
Patil has taken the lead in holding talks with Lingayat leaders and seers of several mutts demanding a separate religion tag for Lingayats. In doing so, he is in direct competition with BJP veteran BS Yeddyurappa, who claims to be the champion of Lingayats.
“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has assured us that the issue will be referred to an expert committee where both sides will present their case along with evidence. A democratic set up will ensure that both sides (Lingayats and Veerashaivas) are heard before taking this issue forward. We will go to the Supreme Court if necessary,” MB Patil told the media last month.
While the BJP had swept maximum number of seats in Vijayapura, Bagalkot and adjoining districts in 2008, the votes were split between the BJP and the Karnataka Janata Paksha (KJP), in 2013.
The Congress is attempting to gain a foothold in the region by backing the Lingayats' demand for a separate religion tag and placing MB Patil in the midst of the battle.