Another JD(S) leader expresses displeasure, hints at joining BJP?
After H Vishwanath, Narayan Gowda and K Gopalaiah bid goodbye to the JD(S), it looks like GT Deve Gowda may follow suit and join the BJP. Interestingly, he has blamed HD Kumaraswamy's close aide Sa Ra Mahesh, who was apparently the reason for H Vishwanath’s exit from the party
FollowBengaluru: Trouble seems to be brewing in the JD(S) camp as another leader and former minister expressed his displeasure and hinted at joining the BJP. After H Vishwanath, who resigned from the JD(S) following differences with former tourism minister Sa Ra Mahesh, former higher education minister GT Deve Gowda aired his displeasure in public.
Last week, during Teachers' Day celebrations at a government school in his Assembly segment Chamundeshwari, Gowda said that he was upset with Sa Ra Mahesh and even went on to say that Mahesh has been acting like he was “chief minister” in the then HD Kumaraswamy-led coalition government.
When asked about the same, Gowda told Asianet Newsable that he stands by what he said. "It is not only my opinion but many in JD(S) think the same about Mahesh. He was acting like he was the chief minister." However, he clarified that he will not leave the party and stay in the JD(S).
Earlier, when CM BS Yeddyurappa visited Mysuru, GT Deve Gowda garlanded and welcomed him. It is said that GT Deve Gowda wanted to launch his son GD Harish Gowda into politics and wants to field his son from Hunsuru Assembly as a byelection was necessitated following the resignation of H Vishwanath.
JD(S) warns GT Deve Gowda:
JD(S) national spokesperson Tanveer Ahmed defended GT Deve Gowda’s statement. "It is a trend that is seen across party lines. When any person is close to the chief minister, it is obvious that others will feel let down. However, we will ask GT Deve Gowda not to air such comments as it damages the party's image." said Ahmed.
According to Ahmed, no one leaves the party for such a weak reason. The JD(S) will take measures to keep the remaining flock of MLAs together, he stated.
Leaders express dissent for personal development and not the constituency: Congress
The Congress, whose numbers have seen a dip at the centre and in the state says that leaders expressing dissent and hinting at joining the BJP is not for any public development but is rather done to secure their own motives.
"Any leader who at this juncture expresses dissent does so to safeguard his interests and for self-development, not for the development of the constituency," said Kengal Shreepada Renu, Congress spokesperson.
