KPCC denies allegations by JD(S), BJP

Bangalore, Jan 26 (UNI) The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Mallikarjun Kharge has denied the allegations made by the JD(S) and the BJP that the Reservation to the posts of President and Vice President of the urban local bodies, announced by State Government recently, was carried out on the recommendations of the Congress party in Karnataka.

Speaking to newspersons here today, Mr Kharge stoutly denying the charges made by both the JD (S) and the BJP said in many urban local bodies the Reservation announced by the State Government had gone against the party's interests.

Stating that the State Government had fixed the Reservation to the posts of urban local bodies as per the guidelines and the format, which was followed during 2001. ''The allegations made by both the BJP and the JD (S) leaders are far from truth,'' he added.

Mr Kharge informed that party High Command would take a decision on the issue of Maharashtra State Governor S M Krishna returning to State politics. ''While I welcome the decision of Mr Krishna returning to State politics,'' Mr Kharge informed that it would help to strengthen the party organisation.

Mr Kharge also informed that party High Command had decided to induct eight Legislators of the dissloved Karnataka Assembly, who were identified with former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister S Siddaramaiah. Eight former Legislators would join the party in the presence of State party observer and Union Minister Prithviraj Chawan tomorrow, he added.

On whether former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister M P Prakash would join the party the KPCC President said that talks were on and a final decision was not yet taken.

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