Byelections a litmus test for coalition, says Gowda

The byelections to Assembly and Lok Sabha in the state are a litmust test for the coalition government, JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda has said.

Speaking at a campaign meeting in Nagamangala on Thursday, Gowda called upon party workers to set-aside differences with Congress and work for the victory of the coalition candidate.

“It is true that leaders of both the parties had criticised each other during the Assembly elections. I myself forgot the enmity and visited Siddaramaiah’s house. You should also forget it”, he said.

“However, Deve Gowda did not mention the name of JD(S)-Congress coalition candidate L R Shivaramegowda, during his speech.

It may be mentioned that Deve Gowda had protested against Shivaramegowda in connection with the murder case of journalist-advocate Kanchanahalli Gangadhar, two decades ago.

Meanwhile, adressing a press meet in Mysuru, JD(S) state president A H Vishwanath lambasted the BJP for making personal comments. He was referring to remarks made by Janaradhana Reddy over the death of former chief minister Siddaramaiah’s son. He said that the BJP was “spoiling” politics by making such comments.

Viswhanath said that when farmers leader K S Puttannaiah passed away, no BJP leader visited his house. “But, they are now praising the leader to garner votes,” he alleged.