Bangalore: The discontent and division in the Janata Dal (Secular) came into the open in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday when the party's senior member P.G.R. Sindhia attacked the Government for not taking the Opposition into confidence before filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court saying that the Idgah Maidan in Hubli would be converted into a park.

Taking everyone by surprise during Zero Hour, Mr. Sindhia said it was he, as the Home Minister in 1996, who solved the Idgah Maidan imbroglio that led to the hoisting of the national flag on the ground. Congress leaders such as A.M. Hindasgeri, Kalebudde, BJP leader Pralhad Joshi and officials had cooperated with him in resolving the issue to the satisfaction of all. Even Leader of the Opposition N. Dharam Singh had contributed to maintaining peace in Hubli when he was the Chief Minister.

But, Mr. Sindhia said, the Government has now failed to take everybody into confidence. The coalition Government, of which the Bharatiya Janata Party is a partner, should have behaved with more responsibility. The party, which had a big presence in North Karnataka, should take measures to prevent any possible communal conflict.

Statement sought

He took the Government to task for failing to inform the Opposition about the affidavit even though the legislature is in session. Expressing surprise that such a serious issue was not discussed in the Cabinet, Mr. Sindhia demanded an explanation. Expressing his displeasure over the absence from the House of Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, he demanded a statement on how the Government proposes to maintain law and order during such situations.

Mr. Dharam Singh told Revenue Minister Jagadish Shettar that he could get away by saying anything when he was in the Opposition, but not now. No room should be given to anyone to indulge in acts of provocation.

Roshan Baig (Congress) said he is at a loss to understand what the new Government is doing regarding the Idgah Maidan issue. He made it clear that the Muslim community is not very interested in the Idgah Maidan issue. "Do not try to project Muslims as enemies of the nation," he warned and added that what Muslims want is education, health and employment. Not consulting local leaders, including Muslims, is an insult to them, he added.

Mr. Shettar said the Supreme Court had held several hearings on the litigation and also made some observations and given suggestions. The Government will make a statement on Friday, he added.

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