JD(S) for tie up with Cong to defeat BJP in byelections

Bangalore, Aug 20 (UNI) Janata Dal(S) President H D Deve Gowda today favoure a pre-poll alliance with Congress to fight the coming by-elections to Karnataka assembly caused by the desertion of seven sitting members from the two parties who joined the ruling BJP.

"We have to teach these turncoats a bitter lession. For this a tie-up with Congress will be important," he said in a press conference here today.

Expressing disgust over BJP 'poaching' of opposition legislators to secure absolute majority in the assembly, he issued 'deadline' to any other fence sitter in the party to go out before the end of this month.

Expressing regret over Congress not being enthusiastic over JD(S) feelers to field common candidates he said, "BJP in Karnataka has initiated a new era of politics which was unheard in the Indian polity so far." So far four from JD(S) and three MLAs from Congress have resigned to their seats and joined the BJP which had secured 110 seats in the recent assembly elections which was three short of a simple majority. This had led to the saffron party launch 'Operation Lotus' break the opposition ranks and rope some MLAs into its fold.

Criticising the BJP in Karnataka, which was indulged in 'poaching' the opposition legislators and manipulating the peoples mandate, Mr Gowda wondered how BJP's national leaders were allowing this to happen it.

"BJP National president Rajnath Singh should hang his head in shame if he realise what was happening in his party outfit here," he said.

Replying to questions Mr Gowda said the national political scene was still sketchy and predicted that a new political alliance would emerge in a couple of months.

In preparation to the Lok Sabha elections JD(S) state unit was engaged in analysing party's strength in all the 28 seats in Karantaka to field candidates, he said.

Expressing confidence that party would fare better in the Lok Sabha elections Mr Gowda did not rule out the possibilities of party's former leaders including P G R Sindhia, to rejoin JD(S) who have deserted earlier in protest against joining hands bith BJP.

UNI MV RS HVB1610