Deve Gowda against contempt case against Sonia

Bangalore, June 10 (UNI) Former prime minister and JD (S) President H D Deve Gowda today opposed (BJP) leaders' demand for filing a contempt of court case against Congress President Sonia Gandhi for her remark 'againstKarnataka's interest' with regard to diversion of river Mahadayi.

Distancing himself from the demand, Mr Gowda told newsmen here that the dispute over sharing of river water between two or more states should be resolved according to laws of the land.

''The reported statement of Ms Gandhi on the issue during her election campaign was irrelevant as she was neither head of government nor Union Minister of Water Resources.

''There is a difference to speak on the issue as a party president and as head of any government. There is no need to drag the issue,'' he added.

Mr Gowda's statement on the issue assumed significance as the leaders of the BJP, including Water Resources Minister K S Eshwarappa, which was the coalition partner in the state government, were demanding filing of contempt case against Ms Gandhi.

The BJP had held protests in Northern Karnataka districts against Ms Sonia's statement on the issue.

UNI