Chamundeswari bypoll, an exam for JD(S)-BJP Govt: Kumaraswamy

Mysore, Nov 17 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today described the December 4 Chamundeswari Assembly by-election as an ''examination'' to the JD(S)-BJP coalition Government in the State and its various policies and programmes.

Addressing a joint press conference with Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa here, he, however, said the bypoll result would not affect the coalition in any way.

Referring to JD(S) rebel candidate A S Guruswamy, Mr Kumaraswamy said it was natural that many wanted to contest the poll. ''Still lot of time is left to withdraw...the party will talk to such candidates.'' On the Congress' complaint to the Election Commission seeking to stop the various developmental works in the State, particularly in Chamundeswari constituency, he pointed out that the Congress itself had agreed that the Government had taken up developmental works. He denied that the Government was misusing official machinery in the constituency.

Declining to comment on the cases filed against the family members of Congress leader D K Shivakumar as it was a non-issue at present, Mr Kumaraswamy said no further action would be taken till December 4, the bypoll day.

About doubts on the JD(S) not handing over the Chief Minister's post to the BJP at the end of 20 months as per their agreement, he said it was a wrong assumption.

Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa exuded confidence that Congress candidate Siddaramaiah would be defeated in the by-election, after which there would be no place for him in the Congress.

Later, speaking at a public meeting here, Mr Kumaraswamy came down heavily on Mr Siddaramaiah for attacking the JD(S) and his family, saying he had no moral right to do so after enjoying the fruits of power while in the party.

He accused the Congress of attempting to topple the ''pro-people and farmer-friendly'' coalition Government.

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