Pact with JD(S) would be ‘murder of Cong. workers of Hassan’

The Congress party’s alliance with the JD(S) would be “murder of Congress workers” of Hassan district, said Bagur Manje Gowda, who contested against JD(S) leader H.D. Revanna in Holenarsipur on the Congress ticket.

The party high command must have taken the decision keeping other factors in mind. “But when it comes to party workers in Hassan, this development is highly disappointing. It is like murder of all Congress workers in Hassan,” he said.

He made it clear that he was disappointed with the development. “It is better to fight sitting in the opposition rather than having an alliance to form the government in the present situation.”

Regarding his defeat in Holenarsipur, Mr. Manje Gowda said the JD(S) candidate had promised to build temples in 277 villages in the constituency and that factor worked against the Congress. “Just a few days before the elections, foundation for the temples was laid. People thought if JD(S) is not elected, the construction of temples would be stopped and voted for him,” he contended.

Further, he said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had assured him that he would come and campaign for him. “He had said he would visit the constituency three times. I don’t know what stopped him from coming here for campaigning.”

Answering a question he said he had sought the ticket for Hassan, but Mr. Siddaramaiah directed him to contest in Holenarsipur.