Reiterating that the Congress-Janata Dal(S) coalition government was nothing but an unholy alliance, the former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar on Wednesday predicted an early fall of the coalition government saying that differences would soon crop up over power sharing.
Speaking to presspersons here on Wednesday, Mr. Shettar said that the kichdi sarkar would not be able to achieve much, except squabbling with each other.
“Already, symptoms are seen. H.D. Kumaraswamy, who had promised farm loan waiver, is now saying it is not possible which is a highly irresponsible act. He has no concern for farmers. If he really has the guts, he should announce farm loan waiver,” Mr. Shettar said.
He said that the sole purpose of the coalition was to come to power and the former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda had succeeded in making his son the Chief Minister. While Mr. Deve Gowda had had his dream fulfilled, he had failed to fulfil the dreams of farmers, he said.
Mr. Shettar accused the coalition partners of meting out injustice to North Karnataka. “Both the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister are from South Karnataka. And there is no hope that the injustice to North Karnataka would be addressed by this coalition government,” he said.
The former Chief Minister said that several of the legislators of the Congress and the Janata Dal(S) were in contact with BJP leaders. He said that once the legislators came out of what he called captivity, the political scenario would change as many of the Congress legislators who were unwilling to continue there will join the BJP.
Meanwhile, the city witnessed both celebrations over the formation of the new coalition government and protests against it.
BJP leaders, including Mr. Shettar, staged a dharna in front of the party office here in protest against what they termed an unholy alliance.
On the other hand, Congress members celebrated by bursting crackers and distributing sweets at Durgad Bail in Hubballi. Janata Dal(S) members too distributed sweets.
