Gowda family performs rituals to prevent threat to govt

In times of crisis, the H D Deve Gowda family is known to turn to God hoping for deliverance.

That's exactly what the JD(S) patriarch is doing at a time when a political storm brews over Karnataka politics -- posing a threat to the survival of the coalition government led by his son H D Kumaraswamy.

He has ensured that both his sons - Kumaraswamy and H D Revanna, and their families are part of a special puja he has organised at the Sringeri temple this morning.

Gowda's wife Channamma, Kumaraswamy's wife Anitha and Revanna's wife and son - Bhavani and Prajwal are taking part in the rituals along with Gowda and his sons.

Kumaraswamy, who arrived at the Sharada Peetha by helicopter, is also said to seek the blessings of the Mutt's pontiff Bharathi Tirtha swami.

The temple holds special significance for Gowda, who often visits to perform yagas and yagnas.

Earlier this year he had performed the 12-day Ati Rudra Mahayaga at the temple, which most believe, catapulted his party to the forefront, paving way for his son to become the chief minister.

Kumaraswamy himself had visited the temple on May 22, a day ahead of his swearing-in ceremony.

He had later said that the Sringeri Jagadguru had asked him to stop corruption in the state after he took over as chief minister.

The ongoing tussle for power between the coalition partners, JD(S)-Congress and the BJP, is now heading towards a political showdown with both sides drawing strategies and counter-strategies.

The BJP, which is making a desperate bid to come to power, has now knocked on Governor Vajubhai Vala's doors, urging him to take steps to prosecute Kumaraswamy under sedition law.

The BJP has also taken a dig at Kumaraswamy for his continued temple hopping spree. In a tweet, it has asked for Goddess Sharadamba to bestow wisdom upon Kumaraswamy, so that he can give more attention towards the development of the state -- rather than calling for a revolt.

The saffron party has been up in arms about Kumaraswamy's remark calling for people to revolt against its leader B S Yeddyurappa.