The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : BJP plays down ‘emotional remarks’

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

BJP plays down ‘emotional remarks’

Special Correspondent

D.V. Sadananda Gowda

Bangalore: State Bharatiya Janata Party president Sadananda Gowda on Tuesday chose to play down the newly appointed Janata Dal (S) State president Merajuddin Patel’s targeted criticism of the BJP.

At a press conference convened to announce the BJP’s “readiness” for the upcoming urban local body elections, he said, “Some people speak emotionally when they come to power. I do not want to react to it now. We will have to watch his reactions for at least a month,” said Mr. Gowda. Contrary to Mr. Patel’s understanding, the BJP had never claimed sole credit for the coalition Government’s successes, he said. He, however, added that the ban on arrack and lotteries had been on the BJP’s agenda for decades.

‘Internal matter’

Mr. Patel being chosen JD(S) president was no more than an “internal administrative matter” of the party, he said.

The speculation surrounding the transfer of power by the JD(S) to the BJP had been turned into “tax-free entertainment” by various political parties, he said. Suggesting obliquely that there was a need for greater coordination between the coalition partners, he said, “There is both need for coordination and coordination committee meeting.” Issues such as the Chamalapura thermal power plant near Mysore, starting of sugar factories in Mandya and the Centre’s “step-motherly attitude towards the State” needed to be discussed by the two parties, he said, adding, “The ball is in their court.”

Mr. Gowda said the party was confident of winning 50 per cent of the seats in the local body elections scheduled for September 28 and emerging as “the number one party”.

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