Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council Vimala Gowda on Wednesday accused Chairman D.H. Shankaramurthy of conspiring against her to dislodge her from the post.
Speaking to presspersons Ms. Gowda alleged that Mr. Shankaramurthy was responsible for her losing the post which she had held for over 40 months.
“The chairperson conspired against me to retain his position,” she alleged, not mincing words. “I have received directions from the party and I will abide by that,” Ms. Gowda said. “It is an injustice done by the party to women; the BJP has proved it is no different from other parties. People will teach it a lesson in the days to come.”
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In an unexpected move on Wednesday, the BJP had hectic parleys with the JD(S) on learning that the latter was going to dislodge both the Chairman and Deputy Chairperson, with the support of the Congress. They came to an agreement where the JD(S) agreed to take the Deputy Chairperson’s post and allow Mr. Shankaramurthy to continue as Chairman.
She had learnt about the development on Wednesday morning and contacted party leaders. But, they were bent on protecting the interests of Mr. Shankaramurthy, she alleged. In the process, she was made a scapegoat, she added.
On learning that Mr. Shankaramurthy’s name had been floated for the post of Governor, she had appealed to party leaders to provide an opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Legislative Council, considering her service to the party and her experience in the Upper House. Though party leaders did not promise anything on that count, they promised that she would not be disturbed. “But, the political situation changed everything overnight,” Ms. Gowda said.
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She did not spare Janata Dal (Secular) either, which she said was indirectly responsible for her losing the position.
‘Deal made’Accusing the JD(S) of striking a deal with the BJP, she said the JD(S), of late, was known for compromising its interests for the sake of securing positions. “I don’t know how much money exchanged hands,” she said.