Siddaramaiah, GTD bury the hatchet, campaign together

Long-time political rivals, former chief minister Siddaramaiah and Minister G T Devegowda, shared the dais at Chamundeshwari Assembly segment after a gap of 12 years, to campaign for Congress candidate from Mysore-Kodagu Lok Sabha segment C H Vijayashankar, on Sunday.

The duo, prominent leaders in Chamundeshwari segment, not only addressed a public rally in Kadakola village but also toured several villages together. The leaders claimed that they stand united and also gave a call to their supporters to vote for coalition candidate Vijayashankar and ensure the defeat of BJP candidate Pratap Simha.

Siddaramaiah and Devegowda parted ways after Siddaramaiah quit JD(S) in 2006. They had worked together for the JD(S) between 1983 and 2006.

The previous Assembly elections in Chamunderswari segment had turned into a high-voltage political battle between Siddaramaiah and Devegowda.

The latter defeated Siddaramaiah by a margin of 36,042 votes. The friction between the duo existed even after JD(S)-Congress formed the government in the state. However, the leaders have come together for the sake of victory of the coalition candidate.

Addressing the gathering at Kadakola, Siddaramaiah said, “Devegowda and I were together till 2006, but became political opponents later. Devegowda defeated me in the last Assembly election. But, we have forgotten all the issues between us and have come together to protect the country’s interest,” Siddaramaiah said.

During his address, Siddaramaiah indirectly warned JD(S) to work for the victory of Congress candidate, as it may have an impact on the coalition government. Naming JD(S) ministers from the region - C S Puttaraju, Sa Ra Mahesh, Thammanna - he said, “We should get 20 seats in Lok Sabha elections (from the state).”