JD(S) threatens to withdraw support

For the first time ever since his party forged an alliance with the Congress in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, JD(S) State president H D Kumaraswamy has admitted that he regretted the decision on the tie-up right from the word go.

Lambasting the Congress MLAs from the City for not allowing the JD(S) corporators to go about their work, he threatened to withdraw his party’s support if the “sad” state of affairs continued in the administration of the City.

Addressing the media in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Kumaraswamy said though it had been nearly two months since the mayoral elections, neither work orders had been issued nor had his corporators received any grants till date.

“For what purpose did they seek support of the JD(S)? We did not support them so that they exhibit arrogance. We supported them so that good work can be done in the City. But now, we have to face the wrath of the people, thanks to the sad state of affairs,” he said.

He said JD(S) corporator from Laggere, Manjula Narayanswamy, had complained to him that Rajarajeshwarinagar MLA Munirathna (Congress) had brought pressure on the officials not to execute any works in her ward.

“I am cautioning the Congress - the term is for five years. If the same trend continues, then we will surely withdraw our support,” he added.

To a pointed question, Kumaraswamy said he had not given his consent to the alliance and expressed his regret over it. He, however, conceded that nothing could be done at this juncture, as his party lacked the numbers. The term of a mayor is for a period of one year.

Reacting to Kumaraswamy’s statement, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that he would talk to the former and resolve the issue.