Pratap Simha Puts BJP In A Spot After Endorsing MCC Proposal To Rename Road After Siddaramaiah

Last Updated:December 26, 2024, 12:48 IST

The MCC’s proposal involves renaming the stretch between Sri Lakshmi Venkataramana Swamy Temple Circle and Royal Inn Junction as "Siddaramaiah Arogya Marga."

Pratap Simha’s endorsement of Siddaramaiah’s contributions is not the first instance of him clashing with BJP leadership. (File pic/PTI)

Former BJP MP from Mysuru-Kodagu, Pratap Simha, has placed his party in a tight spot once again. This time, he has endorsed the Mysuru City Corporation’s (MCC) proposal to rename a road after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from his party.

Speaking in support of the proposal, Simha said, “They (the people) have given him (Siddaramaiah) a resounding victory for the second time. Do you know of any other CM who has secured an absolute majority twice? He is a popular CM, no doubt. Last time it was 119 seats; this time, 136 seats. Siddaramaiah has made immense contributions to Mysuru. He built the DC office and the road between Venkataramana Swamy Temple and Royal Inn Hotel, which is now proposed to be named after him. He also built the Jayadeva Hospital with Rs 106 crore, benefiting many people. In his 40 years of political life, he has significantly contributed to Mysuru."

The MCC’s proposal involves renaming the stretch between Sri Lakshmi Venkataramana Swamy Temple Circle and Royal Inn Junction as “Siddaramaiah Arogya Marga."

Simha’s actions and statements reflect a growing rift within the Karnataka BJP. His vocal support for Siddaramaiah, criticism of the state leadership, and association with disgruntled party leaders have placed the BJP in a precarious position, raising questions about internal unity and its approach to dissent.

BJP spokesperson Prakash S told News18 that Simha’s remarks were personal opinions and did not represent the party’s stance. “He has expressed his individual opinion. We don’t endorse it, and that is not the party’s stand. His view is that there is nothing wrong in naming it after Siddaramaiah. BJP does not endorse it—there ends the matter," said the spokesperson.

Leader of Opposition R Ashoka questioned the rationale behind renaming the road which was earlier named after the Mysore royals who contributed to building the KRS dam, now is being named after Siddaramaiah, one who he alleged had targeted the royal family. “He should build a new road and perhaps name it after himself," Ashoka remarked.

State BJP chief BY Vijayendra has been livid over Simha’s comments. He accused the MCC of misusing power. “The MCC decided this in the absence of an elected council. The road has historic significance as it is named after the royals who contributed to Mysuru’s growth. Siddaramaiah is misusing power to immortalise his name. This likens to the actions of Tughlaq," Vijayendra stated.

The Janata Dal (Secular), an ally of the BJP, also condemned the decision. The party labelled it an “insult to the people of Karnataka" and accused the Congress of manipulating MCC officials in the absence of an elected board, questioned Siddaramaiah’s alleged involvement in the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam and demanded that the proposal be rolled back.

Simha’s endorsement of Siddaramaiah’s contributions is not the first instance of him clashing with BJP leadership.

In the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP denied Simha a ticket for the Mysuru-Kodagu constituency, opting instead for Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, a scion of the Mysuru royal family. This decision was reportedly influenced by anti-incumbency sentiments and controversies surrounding Simha, including a Parliament security breach.

Simha, who had represented the constituency for two terms, reacted strongly to the decision. He publicly voiced his disappointment, claiming that his loyalty and contributions to the party were being overlooked. Feeling sidelined, Simha took to social media to highlight his achievements as a two-time MP and a loyal BJP worker.

He also criticised the royal family, accusing them of being disconnected from ground realities. Despite his protests, Yaduveer was given the ticket which he won with a margin of 1,39,262 votes.

Simha has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the state BJP leadership, particularly against senior leader BS Yediyurappa and his son, BY Vijayendra. Simha has accused them of prioritising dynastic politics over merit and sidelining loyal party workers.

He also attended a closed-door meeting in Belagavi with other disgruntled BJP leaders, including Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Ramesh Jarkiholi. The meeting focused on protesting Congress’s alleged scams, also highlighted internal dissatisfaction within the BJP.

Simha was embroiled in another controversy during his tenure as an MP, when a major security breach in the Lok Sabha was traced back to visitors’ passes issued by his office. Two men carrying smoke canisters entered the chamber of the House, bypassing multiple levels of security.

One of the perpetrators, Manoranjan D, a 35-year-old engineering graduate from Mysuru, was linked to Simha’s constituency. The incident, which occurred 22 years after the 2001 Parliament attack, sent shockwaves through the nation. Simha faced criticism, and his involvement in the incident cast a shadow over his tenure and later his prospects for a ticket.

Simha’s dissatisfaction with the BJP leadership was further evident when he expressed dismay over the party’s treatment of Raghupathi Bhat, a staunch Hindutva proponent. Bhat, who had led a controversial campaign against “burqa-clad students violating uniform rules" in educational institutions, was denied both MLA and MLC tickets.

Simha took to social media to voice his dissent, stating that Hindutva activists like Bhat were being sidelined. He expressed that Bhat was forced to contest the South-West Graduates’ Legislative Council seat as an independent candidate after being expelled from the BJP.

News politics Pratap Simha Puts BJP In A Spot After Endorsing MCC Proposal To Rename Road After Siddaramaiah