HDK offers olive branch to Siddu

JD(S) State President H D Kumaraswamy on Friday said that the time was ripe for the erstwhile janata parivar leaders to re-unit and his party will welcome disgruntled Congress leader Siddaramaiah if he wants to re-join the JD(S).

“I think the time is ripe for janata parivar leaders to come together. Only erstwhile janata parivar leaders can provide good and able administration in the State. The JD(S) will welcome him (Siddaramaiah) if he is willing to return to the JD(S),” he told reporters.

Kumaraswamy sympathised with Siddaramaiah and alleged the Congress has never treated efficient leaders properly. 

“The Congress is known for treating efficient leaders badly. I hope people would now understand how the JD(S) used to treat him (Siddaramaiah) and how the Congress has been treating him,” he added.

JD(S) invitation

Sources said the JD(S) has not only extended an invitation to re-join the party, but provided him an opportunity to defeat the Congress fourth official candidate M R Seetharam by supporting independent candidate Suresh Byrathy. 

If seven of Siddaramaiah’s followers decide to vote in favour of the independent candidate, Sreetharam would be in deep trouble. It will also lead to an embarrassment to the Congress party, sources said.