Karnataka: AIPJD merges with Congress

Bangalore, Sep 3: The All India Progressive Janata Dal (AIPJD), led by former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, today formally merged with the Congress in the presence of Congress President Sonia Gandhi at a massive convention here today.

Solemnising the merger, Ms Gandhi described Mr Siddaramaiah as an important political leaader in Karnataka and said the party had been further strengthened in the State in its fight against divisive forces with the merger of AIPJD.

Coming down heavily on the Janata Dal (Secular), which had dumped the Congress to form an alternate coalition Government with the BJP in February last, the Congress chief said the party had decided to join hands with the JD(S) after the 2004 Assembly elections only to keep the communal forces at bay. Despite the smooth functioning of the Government, the JD(S) suddenly threw all values to the wind and shared power with a party which it had earlier opposed tooth and nail. The JD(S)-BJP alliance might have benefitted the allies, but not the State, she claimed.

It may be recalled that Mr Siddaramaiah had joined the Congress in the presence of Ms Gandhi in July last. Though the party merged today, Legislators owing allegiance to the AIPJD did not join the Congress due to technical reasons.

Earlier, addressing the gathering, Mr Siddaramaiah charged the JD(S)-BJP coalition Government in the State with having indulged only in money making practices and various scams, and administration coming to a standstill. The continuance of the JD(S)-BJP Government would be detrimental to the interests of poor, Dalits, minorities and oppressed classes in the society, he alleged.

Launching a broadside on former Prime Minister and JD(S) President H D Deve Gowda, the former JD(S) leader accused him of comprimising all values and ditching the people who had voted for the party. The BJP too had joined hands with the JD(S) only for the sake of enjoying power.

Describing Ms Gandhi as a symbol of sacrifice, he assured that he would strive hard to strengthen her hands in her fight against communal and divisive forces in the country.

KPCC President Mallikarjuna Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly N Dharam Singh also addressed the gathering.

UNI

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