JOIN USFormer chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda on Tuesday took on his predecessor B S Yeddyurappa for criticising drought relief works in Karnataka during his (Gowda’s) regime, saying that he “did not need anybody’s certificate” except that of the people of the State.
“It appears to be a motivated statement coming from him, aimed at creating confusion. It is an attempt at provoking farmers. He is only playing politics. The Central team which toured the State to study the drought situation and even the Opposition, have appreciated the work of my government. If Yeddyurappa had any grievance, he should have told me or the party president. Why is he saying it now?” Gowda told reporters here.
“It is unfortunate that after being chief minister for three years, Yeddyurappa is making this statement,” he said.
Yeddyurappa in the Assembly had launched a tirade against the Gowda regime for what he called tardy work in drought-affected areas.
Gowda demanded stern action against the BJP MLAs who cross-voted during the presidential election. “An inquiry is not enough. There should be strict action against the erring MLAs. Cross-voting has happened because there is no discipline in the party. Action should be taken against those who violated discipline.”
Asked whether the State budget would be passed in the light of cross-voting by BJP MLAs, Gowda said: “It will indeed be passed. If budget is not passed, people will not allow the MLAs to visit their constituencies and in this time of drought, there will be no money to spend on relief works.”
Gowda, who met the Central leaders of the party, stressed he would not aspire for a post at the national level which he claimed to have been offered. He also ruled out becoming president of the party’s State unit, “now or in future.”