Addressing the media persons after inaugurating the UHT unit here on Thursday, he said the leaders who had joined Congress are a threat to its existence in the State. Now, such leaders are longing for power, he alleged.  He attacked Congress leaders  Siddaramaiah, R L Jalappa, K R Ramesh Kumar without mentioning their names. They are trying to have full control over  the party, he added.

Equal distance
  “Deve Gowda has been keeping equal distance from Congress and BJP. But, there was a conspiracy to end the life of JD(S) during the last election. But, people supported us.  Now, JD(S) has come to power having 59 MLAs’ support. But, they can’t bear this,” he criticised.

 “We joined hands with Congress for the welfare of people, but finally defectors challenged us. Hence, we decided to withdraw the support. Later, we joined hands with BJP as there was no other option. When we tried to keep a distance from BJP, some persons made a vain attempt to divide the party,” he stated.

By defending  Kumaraswamy led Government, he said the coalition government has done well in 20 months. BJP failed to get power on time as some BJP leaders were in hurry in getting it. They also made a verbal attack on Deve Gowda family and some tried to file complaint against Kumaraswamy. Hence, there was delay in power transfer, he stated.

BJP may have to learn a lesson if it goes against the welfare of minorities, he said. Former minister Alanguru Sreenivas, Komul President K N Nagaraj and others were present.