Is Zameer in JD(S) or Congress, asks Deve Gowda

 Differences have surfaced again in the JD(S) like it happens during the run-up to any election.

Ten days before the byelections to the Hebbal Assembly constituency, the party supremo H D Deve Gowda has attacked Chamarajpet MLA B Z Zameer Khan for his “anti party activities”. He even wondered where Khan’s loyalty lay – with the JD(S) or the Congress.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Tuesday, Gowda took objection to Khan’s statements against the JD(S) for fielding a Muslim candidate.

“I am aware of the advertisement given by Khan in some Urdu papers. He has said that Deve Gowda will go to any extent to save the party. He should first clarify whether he is with the JD(S) or the Congress. He has no moral authority to take part in any of the JD(S) party meetings or conventions. I will not expel him from the party - but at the same time I do fear his intentions.”

When contacted by this newspaper, Khan said he had indeed given statements to Urdu papers against the party when his reaction was sought. He added that he would not campaign for his party candidate Ismail Sharief.

“I have said that it was wrong for the JD(S) to have fielded a Muslim candidate when the Congress too has fielded a Muslim candidate. This move will benefit the BJP.

“The votes will be split like it happened in the previous elections in the constituency, when both the JD(S) and the Congress had fielded Muslim candidates.”