Mr Sindhia threatens to approach SC with regard to JD(S) symbol

Bangalore, Jan 30 (UNI) Former Karnataka Minister and suspended Janata Dal (Secular) leader P G R Sindhia today threatened to approach the Supreme Court with regard to securing the Party symbol if there was ' no favourable judgment' by the Election Commission.

Speaking to newsmen here, he said the Janata Dal was only a nationally listed party and recognised only in Karnataka and Kerala.

While the Kerala unit fully supported the leadership of Surendra Mohan, who was appointed President of the rival faction of Janata Dal (Secular), in Karnataka it was the family affair of the former Prime Minister Mr H D Deve Gowda. The party leaders would explain all these aspects to the Election Commission soon, he added.

Mr Sindhia, who came down heavily on the style of functioning of Mr Gowda, said there was no election in the JD(S) led by Mr Gowda since its inception in 1989. Leaders like Mrinal Gore, Bapu Kaldate and Syed Akhbar, who were present on the formation day of the party, chose to maintain distance from the two-day National Executive of the JD(S) led by Mr Gowda, he ridiculed.

He alleged that Mr Gowda shed 'crocodile tears' on the farmers issue and asked why he was silent about the notification issued by the government with regard to acquisition of 22000 acres land belonging to farmers. He was also keeping quiet on Special Economic Zone creation because his son was ruling the state, he chided.

He said Mr Gowda should be morally responsible for the growth of Bharatiya Janata Party and the Hindutwa in Southern region by aligning his party with the BJP.

Rivals group state unit President H Ekantaiah, who was also present, felt it was impossible to waive farm loans as announced by the government as it needed at least Rs 30,000 crores. He termed the announcement as publicity gimmick and demanded a white paper on the farm loans and the status of cooperative institutions throughout the state.

UNI