'K'taka BJP leaders not hobnobbing with Cong'

Bangalore, Jul 28: Bharatiya Janata Party Karnataka President D V Sadananda Gowda today denied former Prime Minister and JD(S) President H D Deve Gowda's charge that some of his party leaders were ''hobnobbing'' with the Congress to topple the JD(S)-BJP coalition Government in the State.

Speaking to newspersons here, he said Mr Deve Gowda's statement had created confusion among the party cadres. Stressing the need to follow coalition dharma, he said any issue, however complex it might be, could be resolved through discussions if it was referred to the Coordination Committee. Such statements would only provide ample opportunities for the political opponents to criticise the coalition Government, he added.

Mr Sadananda Gowda said no BJP leader in the State was interested to fish in troubled waters as alleged by Mr Deve Gowda. The party, which gave priority to transparent activities, was only interested in ensuring the completion of the tenure of the Government by strictly following development as its mantra, he clarified.

He said that though he did not want to engage in a public debate over the charge, it was the bounden duty of partners in any coalition set up to create a congenial atmosphere and develop confidence to function in a free and peaceful atmosphere.

The BJP leader said the party would hold a two-day 'Chintan Baitak' from August five on the city outskirts to review the progress made by Ministers in their respective departments. Senior party leaders, including Mr M Venkaiah Naidu, were expected to attend the meeting.

UNI

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