JD(S) ready to form pact with Cong: Gowda

JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda said that the JD(S) will form a pact with the Congress in the local bodies wherever there is a hung council.

Adressing reporters here on Monday, Gowda said, “We have formed the coalition government in the state to keep the communal BJP at bay. Similarly, we are ready to continue the pact with the Congress in Mysuru and Tumakuru and other places wherever it is necessary. It is my personal opinion. But, no discussion has been held in this regard with anyone. Coalition Coordination Committee president Siddaramaiah is on a foreign tour. I am not aware of the opinion of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president Dinesh Gundu Rao,” he said.

Commenting on the party’s victory in Hassan district, Gowda said the party will come to power in all the five local bodies. However, it is not possible to compare the local body elections to Lok Sabha elections. No decision has been taken on the alliance and seat sharing for Lok Sabha elections.

A meeting will be held with party leaders and a decision will be taken, he replied to a query.

With regard to the disaster in Kodagu, he said, “The Centre has not announced or released funds for the flood-hit victims of Kodagu district. If the Centre fails to release any funds, the state government should take measures. I will donate Rs 25 lakh each for Kodagu and Kerala from my MP’s fund”.