The Hindu : Karnataka News : We will not react to the statement of Merajuddin Patel, says Ashok

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Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka

We will not react to the statement of Merajuddin Patel, says Ashok

Staff Correspondent

‘BJP joined hands with the Janata Dal (S) for the sake of the State’

GUARDED RESPONSE: Health Minister R. Ashok addressing presspersons in Hassan on Tuesday. MLA C.T. Ravi, Hassan district BJP president Navile Appanna and general secretary Kamal Kumar are seen.

HASSAN: Health Minister R. Ashok told presspersons here on Tuesday that the BJP will not react to the statement made by State Janata Dal (S) president Merajuddin Patel that abolition of arrack and lottery are the achievements of the Janata Dal (S).

“Ours is a cadre-based party,” he said.

Mr. Ashok said that Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa had given two budgets and “we have fixed our agenda in the common minimum programme. Whatever is the achievement of this Government, it is the achievement of the coalition Government.”

Mr. Ashok said their joining hands with the Janata Dal (S) to form the coalition Government is neither a sacrifice nor suicide. It is for the development of the State.

“You are seeing development. There is no need to give importance to the statements made by Janata Dal (S) leaders. We are sure, as per the agreement, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy will transfer power to the BJP on October 3.

Mr. Ashok said that the State party leadership had not requested the Central leaders, including A.B. Vajpayee, to discuss with Janata Dal (S) president H.D. Deve Gowda on the transfer of power.

Teams

He said the BJP had formed 13 teams headed by senior leaders to tour the State. A team comprising himself, Minister Ramachandra Gowda, MLA and State general secretary C.T. Ravi and Mahila Morcha president Rina Prakash, are touring Hassan and Chikmagalur districts from Tuesday.

Mr. Ashok said there will be no tie-up with the Congress or the Left parties in the local body elections. The district units of the party will decide about alliances. It could be with the Janata Dal (U) or other smaller parties. “We will not repeat the mistake of giving seats to outsiders. Loyal party workers will be given party ticket,” he said.

Mr. Ravi said most of the district units were of the opinion that they should go it alone. “We have given good governance in the Udupi Municipal Council and the Puttur municipality,” he said.

BJP district unit president Navile Appanna and general secretary Kamal Kumar were present.

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