JOIN USH D Kumaraswamy, president of the State unit of Janata Dal (S), defended his party legislators who have gone on foreign junkets.
“They have only utilised an opportunity given to them by the State government. It is the mistake of the government for having given them permission to go on tour. The government should have been careful. The Assembly Speaker and the chief minister should not have allowed them to tour.”
He, however, said it was not proper to go on a junket when the State was in the grip of drought. Instead, they should have toured villages to understand people’s woes, he added.
On the prevailing drought, he said both the BJP and the Congress had more responsibility than the JD(S). While the ruling BJP is in a position to take measures to mitigate the problems faced by the people, the Congress can get more funds from the Centre. “Let us wait and watch how the two parties tackle drought.”
10-day tour
He said the JD(S) had formed five teams led by senior leaders to strengthen the party. Each of the teams has been allotted some districts. The team members will tour those districts for 10 days from September 5. It will also study the drought situation, but priority will be to organise the party, he said.
The party has lined up conventions related to its wings: ST convention on October 1 in Chitradurga and a convention of differently-abled persons on October 7 in Bangalore. A convention of backward classes and women will be held in the same month, he said.