Gowda, SMK oppose State plea in SC on Palike polls

Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda and former chief minister S M Krishna shared the dais after a long time and also held the same view on one issue – that the State government should not have filed an appeal before the Supreme Court seeking more time to hold elections to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike.

Speaking separately at a function organised in memory of former minister K V Shankare Gowda, Krishna and Gowda criticised the decision of the government to file an appeal in the apex court, when the State Election Commission (SEC) had announced the calendar of events for the polls. Gowda also expressed confidence that the polls will be held as scheduled.

Lokayukta
Gowda said Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao should own moral responsibility and submit his resignation. “It is unfortunate that aspersions have been cast on the Lokayukta institution. Such instances have never happened in the past. Karnataka Lokayukta was a role model for the country for its anti-corruption crusades. No scope should be given for further deterioration,” Gowda said.

Earlier in the day, the two veteran politicians arrived on the dot to share the dais at the function. Political observers point out that it was after a long time that the duo was seen together.

Pointing out the recent spate of suicides by farmers, Gowda said the two leaders were not able to do much. However, he added that all the leaders should to unite to find a solution to the Cauvery issue.

Gowda said Krishna was only his political rival and he had nothing personal against the Congress leader. “We will both stand together to work for the progress of the State,” he said. Krishna recalled his days in Mandya where he started his political career.