The Hindu : Front Page : JD(S) charge is absurd: Venkaiah

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Monday, Oct 08, 2007
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JD(S) charge is absurd: Venkaiah

HYDERABAD: Senior BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday described as “absurd” the charge of Janata Dal (Secular) that the Sangh Parivar outfits had attempted to turn Karnataka into a ‘Hindutva laboratory.’

He told journalists here that the charge lacked credibility as it was made after the JD(S) had enjoyed power “at the cost of BJP” for 20 months. Besides, the JD(S) never took up the issue with the coordination committee and also never called for its meeting.

“After completing your tenure, you are accusing the BJP,” he quipped, referring to the JD(S) term in office. “The people of Karnataka would give a fitting lesson when the opportunity comes.”

Seeks early elections

Referring to withdrawal of the party’s support to the JD(S), he demanded the immediate resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. Or else, the Governor should dismiss him. “The BJP wants elections at the earliest in Karnataka,” he said, warning the Congress that “it would have to pay a heavy price if it tried to make a backdoor entry.”

Mr. Naidu accused the JD(S) leadership of having devalued politics and brought down standards in public life.

On Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s comment that her party was ready for general elections, he said it was an indication of mid-term elections to the Lok Sabha.

The BJP had been saying from the beginning that all was not well with the United Progressive Alliance. Instead of continuing the “lame-duck and purposeless” government, the best solution would be to go in for elections.

Mr. Naidu asked the Congress and the Communists to “call off their drama” and get ready for the polls, and advised them to “patch up or pack up.”

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