Yeddy calls on Deve Gowda, Kumaraswamy

Bangalore, Jun 4 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today called on former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) President H D Deve Gowda at his Padmanabhanagar residence here.

The maiden visit by Mr Yeddyurappa after becoming the Chief Minister, comes hours ahead of the commencement of the BJP's Special Assembly Session.

According to a release from the Chief Minister's Secretariat, Mr Gowda was all praise for Mr Yeddyurappa for extending immediate relief to the lorry accident victims at Arakalagudu in his home District of Hassan, in which over 40 people were killed on May 29.

Mr Gowda expressed happiness over Mr Yeddyurappa taking oath in the name of farmers and God. ''No Chief Minister had taken the oath in the name of the farmers so far. I am very happy that Yeddyurappa took the oath in the name of farmers. It shows his concern to the peasants. I welcome this gesture and extend all cooperation in his efforts for the overall welfare of farmers.'' Mr Yeddyurappa said ''the former Prime Minister's words of appreciation have enthused me. Development is my only priority and I promise to work without any discrimination.'' The Chief Minister sought the cooperation of all 224 MLAs.

Mr Yeddyurappa also called on former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy at his brother-in-law's residence and exchanged pleasantaries.

UNI MSP ATI AS1404