Hold frequent coordination committee meetings: Naidu

Bangalore, July 16 (UNI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu today appealed to leaders of both the Janata Dal (Secular) and his party to convene frequent coordination meetings to sort out any differences in running the coalition Government in Karnataka.

Addressing a press conference here, he said both the JD(S) and BJP have come to an understanding before forming the coalition Government and the parties should stick to its power sharing agreement reached earlier.

Mr Naidu opined that frequent holding of coordination committee meetings would help to sort out any issues and differences cropping up between the two parties for the smooth sailing of the Government.

On the controversial statement of party Legislator Janardhana Reddy that Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had allegedly received a bribe of Rs 150 crore from mine operators in Bellary district, he said the issue had been sorted out after the MLC issued a clarification. The party had advised Mr Reddy not to rush to the media, but settle issues in the party fora. Party leaders have not applied any pressure on Mr Reddy, who had genuine grievances on certain issues, he added.

Party State President D V Sadananda Gowda, who also spoke, said that as per the earlier agreement with the JD(S), BJP Ministers would be incharge of 14 districts and JD(S) in 13 districts.

He denied that Bellary district incharge Minister B Sriramulu would be replaced with any other Minister. Such issues should come before the coordination committee of both the parties for discussion. He criticised the Congress leaders for demanding a CBI inquiry into the alleged illegal mining operations in Bellary district and said it was the Congress which should be squarely blamed for the menace.

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