New Delhi: Minister of State for Railways V Somanna on Monday criticised the Congress party for protesting against Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot’s decision to authorise prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the MUDA land allotment “scam”, saying it was an insult to the Dalit governor.

Governor Gehlot has held several top posts in the country, including that of Union Minister, and has contributed immensely to the development of the country. Gehlot is also a senior Dalit leader in the country. By protesting against his decision, the Congress leaders have insulted him, Somanna said.

When it comes to the Dalit community, the Congress is showing double standards. On one hand, Congress leaders have declared that they are pro-Dalit, on the other hand, they have protested against the Dalit governor. What policies and principles are the Congress leaders following, asked the minister.

“It was sad that Congress leaders, including some ministers of the Siddarmaiah cabinet, protested across the state.

“Instead of understanding the role of the governor in a democratic system, Congress leaders and ministers are misleading the whole country,” he said.

If Siddaramaiah is so convinced that he has done nothing wrong, he should face the inquiry and come clean, but first he must resign. If he gets a free pass from the inquiry agency, he can become a minister again, Somanna said.