SHIMOGA: Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday denied the charge that neglect of minorities by the Janata Dal (Secular) led to the defeat of its candidate in the recently held Assembly byelection from the Chamundeshwari constituency.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr. Kumaraswamy said it was his Government that had sanctioned five-and-a-half acres of land to Muslims in Bangalore worth Rs. 90 crore for the construction of a Haj centre.

He said though the request for the grant of land in Bangalore was pending for long, no Government cared to consider it.

He said his Government took the decision on the demand within 10 days after it was made to it.

Mr. Kumaraswamy said his Government took several welfare measures for the Kuruba community and hence the allegation that his Government was neglecting that community was false.

He accused Congress candidate and former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of indulging in communal politics during the election.

Gowda's expulsion

Asked about the decision of the Janata Dal (Secular) Executive to expel its president and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda from the party, Mr. Kumaraswamy said: "Wait and see who ultimately gets expelled."

Mr. Kumaraswamy pooh-poohed the remark that the days of the coalition Government were numbered.

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