‘Did Rajiv Gandhi call MLAs’ meeting before removing Veerendra Patil?’

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok on Tuesday sought to disagree with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who maintained that the support of MLAs, along with the approval of the Congress high command, is also crucial to becoming the Chief Minister.

Speaking to media persons in Bengaluru, Mr. Ashok tried to remind him that the then Prime Minister Veerendra Patil was suddenly dismissed by party leader Rajiv Gandhi.

“Mr Siddaramaiah should clarify whether Mr Rajiv Gandhi, while suddenly announcing the removal of Veerendra Patil at the airport in Bengaluru, called a meeting of party legislators to decide on replacing the Prime Minister,” he said.

Mr Ashok, who had previously predicted a “revolution” that would lead to a change of Prime Minister in November, said the process had already begun. “The dinner meeting organized by Mr. Siddaramaiah is indicative of the beginning,” he claimed.