ST Somashekhar calls meet of like-minded MLAs

Bengaluru: With no semblance of a respite in the war of words between coalition partners – Janata Dal (Secular) and Congress – former chief minister Siddaramaiah's  aide and Chairman of BDA  S.T. Somashekhar  on Monday announced that a meeting of “like-minded MLAs” would be held on May 21.

He told the media after a breakfast meeting with deputy chief minister, Dr G. Parameshwara here, the earlier meeting convened by him on April 30 was postponed owing to announcement of dates for by-polls to two Assembly
seats besides elections to milk dairy cooperative societies as well as urban local bodies. “Elections were the main reasons why we postponed the meeting. These elections may not get the attention of the media but they are equally important for MLAs. Hence, all MLAs got busy with this work, hence, and the meeting could not be held. But, after May 19, we (like minded MLAs) all will be free and decided to meet on May 21. As all of us know that everyone is busy with elections. Will speak to them on May 17 or 18 and decide.”

While lashing out at Mr Siddaramaiah baiters in JD(S), Mr Somashekar caustically remarked that an elephant (Mr Siddaramaiah) does not stop walking when dogs (his critics) bark, and you can't tame barking dogs. “He (Mr
Siddaramaiah) is our leader, let us not have any doubt on that.  Who is this Kupendra Reddy?  He is just an MP. This coalition was formed after our president Rahul Gandhi and JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda decided to go
together here. I will accept if the same comments come from  Mr Gowda  and not from Mr Reddy. I want to know if Mr Gowda has given him (Mr Reddy) the general power of attorney (GPA) on the coalition arrangement. Then, I will accept his statement. Otherwise there is no point in taking anything serious about Mr Reddy's statement,” he retorted in response to a question.

While reacting to ‘Siddu CM again’ campaign by a section of Congress leaders, JD(S) leader, Kupendra Reddy, dared that if the Congress leader could not tame their leaders, then it would be better for the Congress to withdraw support extended to Mr Kumarswamy. "It is very clear. The JD(S) did not go to any one seeking the support but on the contrary, it was the Congress which came to the door of JD(S) supremo, H. D. Deve Gowda with this coalition arrangements. Now, if the Congress does not want then they are free to go. Who is holding them back?" Mr Reddy had retorted.