No money to fight by-polls, says Deve Gowda

Former Prime Minister and JDS chief H D Devegowda today said he has suggested to the party state leadership not to field any candidates for the August 21 by-elections to three assembly seats in the state, saying his party was not in a sound financial position.

He however clarified that his party would neither support BJP nor Congress in the elections.

By-elections to three seats are being held after sitting MLAs B S Yeddyurappa (Shikaripur), Prakash Hukkeri (Chikkodi-Sadalga) and B Sriramulu (Bellary) vacated them, consequent to their election to Lok Sabha.

Stating that the party is not in a financially sound position to fight polls against Congress and BJP who are in power in the state and the Centre respectively, Gowda told reporters, "I have suggested not to field candidates in this by-election."

He said his suggestion of not fielding candidates does not mean the party will support any other political party.

Stating that emphasis will be given towards strengthening the party from the base level, he said a meeting of loyal party workers will be held here in August.

However, Gowda's son and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who was present, said the party leadership has expressed its opinion but there is pressure from party workers to field candidates. A decision will be taken in this regard after discussing with local leaders of the party.

BJP has fielded B Y Raghavendra (Shikaripur), Mahantesh Kavatagimath (Chikkodi-Sadalga) and Oblesh (Bellary) as its candidates, while Congress is yet to finalise its list.