Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah believes that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre has implemented the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) fearing defeat in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
He told this to reporters on his arrival in Udupi on March 13 in response to a query on the response of the Karnataka Government to the CAA, adding that the government would take a decision after studying the Act and the rules.
On senior leader K. Jayaprakash Hegde joining the Congress, Mr Siddaramaiah said the move strengthens the party in the coastal belt of Karnataka. Asked whether Mr Hegde will be fielded from Udupi Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha constituency, the Chief Minister said the decision will be taken by the high command.
Asked about the reasons for the BJP reportedly denying the ticket to Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simmha, Mr Siddaramaiah said he is not aware of the reason. The BJP has to answer this question, he said.