Cong and JD(S) 'hand in gloves' to defeat BJP: Venkaiah Naidu

Bangalore, May 15 (UNI) Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu today alleged that 'Congress and JD(S) were 'hand in gloves' to defeat BJP.

Reiterating party's charge that both Congress and JD(S) have struck underhand-deal to defeat BJP, Mr Naidu told newsmen here that it was exhibited in Sorab where Congress is not fielding its candidate.

Similarly in Bellary city seat JD(S) candidate was made to retire from the contest and in both occasions Congress and JD(S) have failed to give satisfactory explanation, he said.

Referring to Shikaripur assembly seat, Mr Naidu opined that former Chief Minister S Bangarappa was made sacrificial goat by Congress. "Mr Bangarappa also should have blamed for his position as he himself allowed to become a scapegoat" he said.

Mr Naidu also ridiculed Congress party's written complaint to EC against BJP Chief Ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa on referring Lord Rama and Ramarajya. "The remark made by Yeddyurappa would not amount to violation of election code of conduct." He said that if BJP comes to power it will seriously consider to pursue for seeking amendment to article 371 of Indian constitution which confers special status for the focused development of backward regions in Karnataka.

Mr Naidu said that several parts of Karantaka including Bidar, Gulbarga, Raichur and Koppal districts remained backward and needs attention on the line of Telangana in Andhra Pradesh, Vidharbha in Maharashtra by bringing amendment to article 371 of the Indian Constitution.

Opining that to implement the promises made in the poll manifesto party should not have any problem of 'majority' Mr Naidu appealed people of Karantaka to give BJP a clear and unambiguous mandate.

He also took exception on EC's inaction on BJP's complaining against Congress that it had utilised National flag in its election propaganda which amounts to violation of code of conduct.

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