HDK blasts BJP for intolerance

JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday criticised the BJP for objecting to his visit to the Ajmer dargah in Rajasthan, saying that while he believes in all faiths, the BJP believes in only one.

Addressing reporters here, after returning from Ajmer dargah, he rejected suggestions that his visit to the dargah was a violation of a model code of conduct. “Almost every candidate visits a place of worship before filing nomination papers. It is her/his personal belief. If visiting a place of worship is a violation of a model code of conduct, then action should first be taken against the BJP leaders,” he alleged.

The BJP had on Monday filed a complaint with the Office of Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka over Kumaraswamy’s visit, and called for action to be taken against him.

Kumaraswamy had reportedly said that he will release the first list of party candidates after visiting the dargah.

He hit out at BJP State president Pralhad Joshi and his caustic description of the prime minister and the judiciary as three monkeys. “His (Joshi) comments against the constitutional post and the judiciary are unbecoming, silly and immature. I hope the judiciary will take serious note of it,” he said.

On Congress leader Siddaramaiah’s allegation that the JD(S) and the BJP have a tacit understanding, Kumaraswamy said that the Congress leader has been trying to create confusion in the minds of people just ahead of the polls. “But he will not succeed in his attempt,” he added.