BENGALURU:JD(S) national president H D Deve Gowda on Saturday came down heavily on the Congress, especially Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saying anyone who attempts to weaken the party would face a backlash.
Addressing a membership drive rally at the Palace Grounds, Gowda took a dig at Siddaramaiah, “A boy, who grew in our party, today says he will ensure that the JD(S) does not raise its head. Let me tell you, Siddaramaiah is not a god to destroy our party as long as it has the support of dedicated party workers like you. Let us wait and see what the Governor has to say in connection with Arkavathy Layout denotification.” In an obvious reference to the CM, Gowda said, “The man who promised to offer transparent administration is indulging in large-scale corruption. If he is fighting corruption, why is he silent on a `40,000 crore scam in Shantinagar Housing Cooperative Society, involving one of his ministers?”
On disgruntled elements within the JD(S), Gowda said he is not going to tolerate anyone who does not fall in line. Referring to former ministers N Chaluvarayaswamy, B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan and Legislative Council deputy chairman Puttanna, he said: “Let them know that I am the high command in the JD(S). I will throw out anyone who fails to follow the party’s diktat.” He asked Kumaraswamy to stop wasting time entertaining these leaders and focus on party building activities.
“Siddaramaiah’s sins are spilling over. He is no more clean as he claims to be. He provoked me saying I have done illegal denotification. Now, let him get ready to face me,” former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy said. He said he will start a membership drive from Ramanagaram besides launching a state-wide tour from Belagavi in February.
Puttanna, former ministers Iqbal Ansari, Chaluvarayasway, Zameer Ahmed,, MLAs Akanda Sreenivasamurthy and Mallkarjun Khuba stayed away from the rally.