Belagavi: School Education Department Minister Madhu Bangarappa has warned teachers of disciplinary action if they skip classes or seek recognition through external organisations during school hours. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Bangarappa emphasised that teachers should be in schools conducting classes during working hours. He made it clear that while teachers have the right to protest, neglecting their responsibilities to pursue external affiliations would not be tolerated.
Strict Action Against Absentee Teachers
Bangarappa’s comments come amid reports of certain teachers engaging in activities outside their official duties, with some allegedly skipping classes to associate themselves with various organisations. “Action will be taken against those teachers who fail to fulfil their responsibilities. Teachers need to remain in school during working hours and ensure they are conducting classes. Those who disregard their duties will face consequences,” the minister asserted.
While acknowledging teachers’ right to protest and advocate for their causes, the minister underlined that their primary responsibility is towards their students. The government expects teachers to perform their duties diligently, and failure to do so would invite stringent measures.
Congress Leadership Stability in Karnataka
Addressing the ongoing speculations surrounding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s position, Bangarappa dismissed rumours of his resignation. Reports have been circulating about internal conflict within the Congress party, fuelled by the Muda Scam case currently being heard in the High Court. However, Bangarappa expressed confidence in Siddaramaiah’s leadership and ruled out any possibility of him stepping down.
“There is no need for Siddaramaiah to resign. Several cases against chief ministers across the country are pending in courts, but none have been forced to exit office due to such cases. Siddaramaiah has our full support,” Bangarappa said.
Internal Congress Tensions
The warning from Bangarappa came amid reports of internal bickering within the Karnataka Congress. As the legal proceedings around the Muda Scam unfold, several senior Congress leaders have allegedly been vying for the chief minister’s post, sparking tensions within the party.
Recently, a group of Congress leaders wrote to Rahul Gandhi urging him to take action against those openly aspiring for the chief minister’s position, claiming that such internal competition was demoralising the party’s base and damaging its public image. However, Bangarappa reassured the public that Siddaramaiah remains firmly in his role, despite the conspiracy against him.
“We are all in support of the chief minister,” he said, dismissing the rumours of a leadership change as unfounded and politically motivated.
No Immediate Leadership Change
Bangarappa’s statement aligns with the position of other senior Congress leaders, who have repeatedly confirmed their backing for Siddaramaiah. The speculation about a potential change in leadership emerged after Siddaramaiah faced allegations related to the Muda Scam. However, the state leadership, including Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, has publicly supported the current chief minister, and no formal moves towards leadership transition have been initiated.
The Congress party in Karnataka remains focused on governance and addressing the challenges posed by the opposition, especially in light of the upcoming elections. Despite the internal disagreements, the party’s leadership is keen to present a united front, and Bangarappa’s statements reaffirm that commitment.