Alliance with JD(S): Not all in Congress happy

Hassan: The Congress may have entered into a marriage of convenience with the JD(S) to form the government in Karnataka, but not everyone in the party seems happy with its decision.

Take the Hassan Congress leaders, who in an open display of displeasure at the arrangement, did not turn up to greet CM-designate H.D. Kumaraswamy of the JD(S),  when he arrived for the first time since being crowned king in Holenarsipur to offer pooja  at its various temples on Monday. Although Mr Kumaraswamy was given a rousing welcome by JD(S) workers, there was no sign of the local Congress leaders. While one Congress leader  said it was early days yet and it would take a while for his partymen to get used to the idea of welcoming someone  from what until recently was a rival party, B.P. Manjegowda of the Congress, who was defeated from Holenarsipur,  was open about his  displeasure, saying  the alliance with the JD(S) was not in the interests of the Congress.

Another Congress leader questioned the rationale of the party supporting JD(S) when it had fought a  bitter battle against its senior leader H.D. Revanna in Holenarsipura. “There is no question of Congress leaders going and greeting leaders of a rival party even if an alliance has been forged with it,” he added angrily.

However, another Congress leader claimed they were not invited by the JD(S) to be part of the welcoming ceremony for the CM-designate.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Mr Kumaraswamy asserted that his government would serve its five-year term and fulfil its promises. Later, accompanied by his wife, Anita, he  offered pooja at Lakshmi Narasimha, Ranganatha Swami, Eshwara and Huliyamma temples in Channarayaptna taluk.