HASSAN: Minister for Public Works and Energy H.D. Revanna on Thursday appealed to Janata Dal (Secular) MLAs not to go against the wishes of party President H.D. Deve Gowda.

Addressing presspersons here, he reiterated his stand that he will not support his brother and party's State unit Working President H.D. Kumaraswamy, who has withdrawn support to the coalition government led by N. Dharam Singh. Under no circumstances will he join a new coalition headed by Mr. Kumaraswamy, he added.

Defence

However, Mr. Revanna said Mr. Kumaraswamy is only fighting against those who were trying to split the Janata Dal (S). "I am not making accusations against Mr. Dharam Singh. But a few Congress leaders, including a former Chief Minister, tried to divide the Janata Dal (S)."

Mr. Kumaraswamy was under pressure from MLAs to sever ties with the Congress, he added.

Dismissing statements that Mr. Kumaraswamy has the tacit blessings of Mr. Deve Gowda, he said: "Those who know my father will understand the trauma he has undergone in the past few days."

Mr. Revanna said that though a few people are trying to project Mr. Deve Gowda as a leader who is against development of urban areas, Mr. Gowda was responsible for the construction of the ring road and the first flyover in Bangalore.

Railway project

On the delay in completion of the Hassan-Bangalore railway line, he said land acquisition between Shravanabelagola and Balagangadhara Nagara (B.G. Nagara) is complete, and tenders have been invited to start work.

Land acquisition between B.G. Nagara and Solur is progressing and the Revenue Department has earmarked funds for the project, he added.

On the delay in taking up construction of a four-lane road between Hassan and Nelamangala, he said the detailed project report is ready and Rs. 680 crores will be utilised for the project.

Flyover

A proposal to construct a flyover from Peenya to Yeshwantpur has been sent to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways T.R. Balu, and a response is awaited, he added.

Lokayukta's remarks

Asked about the remarks against him by Lokayukta N. Venkatachala on the delay in repairing the Hassan-Arsikere road, he said his department has released Rs. 3 crores and work will be taken up soon.

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