Cong leaders term JD(S) pseudo secular

“JD (S) has pledged the secular principles to BJP to satiate hunger for power. The JD(S) has been deceiving people claiming to be secular. Its true colours have been revealed for second time after JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy became the CM with BJP’s support in 2007,” he told reporters.

Addressing a news conference, he ridiculed that the two parties who bitterly fought each other in Bangalore have gone on a honeymoon in Mysore. The JD(S) has emerged more communal than communal forces.

It appears the senior leaders of both parties have reached an understanding, he said adding that the Congress party would stage a symbolic protest against the unholy alliance in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue near Gandhi Square on Feb 12 between 9 am and 10 am.

He said the JD(S)’s move had vindicated his long standing demand to the Congress party high command in state to maintain distance from the former.

“The state leaders would be requested to condemn the JD(S). We would apprise and expose JD(S) before party high command in New Delhi,” he said.  Asked why was he part of the dialogue process when he opposed it, he said he had to obey the instruction of high command and be a part of the talks.

“We told the JD(S) clearly that they will be given an opportunity to have both president and vice - presidents from their party after 20 months. But, the JD (S) leaders were in
a hurry to partner with the BJP,” he stated and said the failure of talks and JD (S) - BJP alliance was not a setback to Congress. Instead, it was an advantage to Congress.

Caste certificate

He objected to the T Narasipur Tahasildar issuing OBC II B caste certificate to Sunitha Veerappa Gowda and urged the Deputy Commissioner to suspend the officer and order an inquiry. “Sunitha Veerappa Gowda is ineligible to obtain the certificate. She draws Rs 15,000 monthly pension as an ex - MLA and has business interest in sand mining and has a marriage hall too. Her husband was a physician. How can she be eligible for the caste certificate when her income crosses the limit?” he asked.

Siddu criticises

Talking separately to the media persons in evening, Opposition leader Siddaramaiah said the alliance was a shame on JD(S) when it claims to fighting a bigger battle against BJP than the Congress party.

The party has no commitment to secular principles. It was alone responsible for the BJP assuming power in the state and increase in corruption cases subsequently. “There was option open for us to ally with BJP. We will never do it. I will not ally with BJP even if the party offered me Chief Minister’s post,” he said.