Dharam Singh predicts mid-term poll in K'taka

Gulbarga, Karnataka, June 26: Leader of the Opposition N Dharam Singh today predicted mid-term polls in the state this year as he claimed the 'transfer of power from JD (S) to the BJP would not go through as expected.' Addressing the press here, Mr Singh said Wakf Minister Iqbal Ansari's remarks on the JD (S) MLAs wishing Mr H D Kumaraswamy continue as Chief Minister clearly indicted the transfer of power would not go through leading to a mid-term poll.

He also said the Congress Legislature Party would meet in Bangalore on July 5 during which its future course of strategy would be chalked out.

To a question, the former chief minister reiterated there was no question of joining hands again with the JD(S).

Responding to Mr Kumaraswamy's allegations on the involvement of a former chief minister's son-in-law in a land grabbing scam, Mr Singh asked him to discuss the matter in the Assembly and during Cabinet meeting and take steps to set up a probe.

Mr Singh charged the state government with not submitting certificates for utilising Central funds to the tune of Rs 881 crore released for the development programmes.

''There are 4,500 villages in the state which do not have drinking water. The government has failed in utilising the funds released by the Centre,'' he said.

Accusing the Irrigation Department of 'negligence' leading to huge damage during the heavy rainfall, he demanded the government to Pay Rs one lakh in compensation to the families of the victims in rain-releated incidents.

UNI