JOIN USJD(S) likely to demand key posts in BBMP
The JD(S) though has been maintaining to enter into an unconditional pact with Congress at the Palike, it is said the former party will impose several conditions.
The JD(S) will demand the Congress to exempt property tax of all self-occupied residential properties measuring less than 600 sq ft. The party will also press for streamlining garbage disposal in the City, it is said.
The JD(S), apart from vying for the post of deputy mayor, has also sought for key standing committee posts – accounts, markets and planning.
The day’s drama unfolded with KPCC president G Parameshwara visiting JD(S) leader H D Deve Gowda’s house in Padmanabhanagar. He was accompanied by Bengaluru district in-charge Minister Ramalinga Reddy, MLA S T Somashekar and Rizwan Arshad.
‘No conditions by Gowda’
Parameshwara on Tuesday had claimed before the media that he had instructions from the party high command to meet JD(S) leaders. But the following day he obeyed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s instructions and knocked on Gowda’s door.
Following the half-hour meeting, Parameshwara told media persons that the JD(S) leader had not put forth any conditions, nor had there been any talks about power sharing.
“Yesterday, I learnt through media reports that Deve Gowda had said his party was ready to extend support to the Congress. I hadn’t spoken to him or met him prior to this. In response to the media reports, I held this meeting with him. He has advised me to speak with H D Kumaraswamy. A clear picture will emerge only after I hold talks with my party leaders and Kumaraswamy,” said Parameshwara.
Maintaining that he had not discussed any important matters with Parameshwara, Gowda said this alliance is only for the BBMP.
He also said he hadn’t spoken to Siddaramaiah, nor did he know anything about the chief minister meeting him. It is, however, learnt that Siddaramaiah had called his bete noire during the day. After the fall out between them, this is the first time that the two
leaders have spoken to each other.
Gowda also said the JD(S) corporators who have been taken to Kerala, will return to Bengaluru after the mayoral elections are announced.