K'taka: Cong urge govt.to hold polls to local bodies

Bangalore, Dec 22: The main opposition Congress today urged the Janata Dal (Secular) and Bharatiya Janata Party coalition government to take immediate steps to hold elections to the Localbodies, term of which has ended and warned state-wide agitation if the delay was continued.

Speaking to newsmen after party leaders and Office-bearers meeting here, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed apprehensions about the coalition government holding elections immediately fearing defeat.

He said that the term of about 213 Civicbodies, representing over 5000 members, was completed long back however the State government was not showing interest to hold elections thus violating constitutional obligation.

He said that his party preparing itself to face the elections.

Mr Kharge announced the admission of Cine actor turned politician former Lok Sabha member and JD(S) leader Shashikumar into the party. "Mr Shashikumar has agreed to join the party unconditionally and has expressed faith on the party's principles and leadership of Ms Sonia Gandhi", he added.

Later speaking to newsmen Mr Shashikumar said that he has quit the JD(S) as it was controlled by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and his family members. "In JD(S) there is no any internal or external democracy and was dictated by whims and fancies of Deve Gowda" he alleged.

UNI