Karnataka CM HDK wants Congress to control MLAs, says they’re crossing a line

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday warned its MLAs in Karnataka not to cross the 'lakshman rekha' of coalition politics amid strains in ties with its partner JD(S).The reaction comes after chief minister H D Kumaraswamy threatened to step down today following Congress MLA ST Somashekhar's claims that development work had come to a grinding halt in the state. Speaking at an event, the Congress MLA also demanded that senior leader Siddaramaiah be made the chief minister again.Reacting to the legislator's comments, Kumaraswamy said, "If my way of functioning is not acceptable, then I am ready to quit. I don't want to continue also. I am not ready to stick to the chair.""Our government has taken up projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore including suburban train, elevated corridor and peripheral ring road," he added.Embarrassed by Somashekhar's remarks, the Congress came out with a strong reaction and said such comments by its MLAs will not be tolerated.Karnataka Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao said ST Somashekhar had expressed regrets for his remarks.He said Somashekar has made statements which cross the 'Lakshman Rekha' of coalition politics and cannot be tolerated, especially when he is holding a responsible position."I saw S T Somashekhar's statement. It breaches the disciplinary line. The coalition government has done lots of development work in Bengaluru," the state Congress chief said.Rao further warned all Congress leaders to be careful with their statements.Congress general secretary and incharge of party affairs in the state K C Venugopal said the party high command has full faith in Kumaraswamy and the state government."The government is moving ahead with popular measures that reflect the ambitions of the people in Karnataka," he tweeted.Rubbishing the MLA's demand, Siddaramaiah said the coalition government is for five years and there was no question of him becoming the chief minister.Meanwhile, the BJP took a potshot at Kumaraswamy, asking him to stick to his words."Kumaraswamy must practice what he says. He must step down," said BJP spokesperson Tejaswini Gowda.