Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru (MS)

Mysuru, Dec 6: Former chief minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy has said that his party's alliance with the Congress 'destroyed' his political image and people's regard for him that he had earned in his political career.

Addressing a press conference in the city on Saturday, December 5, Kumaraswamy said, "Former chief minister Siddaramaiah accuses that I have good rapport with the BJP. If I had good relations with BJP, I would have been chief minister even now. As I entered into coalition with Congress, the respect, goodness and love of people, which I had secured in the last 12 years, got destroyed.

"Siddaramaiah exploited the emotional trappings of Deve Gowda and destroyed us. Siddaramaiah is the reason for BJP to win 105 seats in the last assembly elections. I did not meet Yediyurappa secretly. I have gone to his residence 'Krishna' in broad daylight. I know who goes to Yediyurappa's residence secretly. People who meet Siddaramaiah in the night give him information about change of CM.

"Telangana CM K Chandrashekhar Rao has had telephonic conversation with me with regards to forming an alternative force to BJP. I have advised him to call a meeting soon. I will also participate in the same. I am confident that regional parties will be able to be force to reckon with BJP."

Various Congress and BJP leaders have reacted to the statement of former CM H D Kumaraswamy accusing Congress of destroying his political image.

Former CM Siddaramaiah said, "Kumaraswamy is an expert liar, who lies as the situation demands. Shedding tears is the culture of Deve Gowda family. They shed tears in order to lure or to make others believe them."

Speaking to reporters in Belagavi on Saturday, Siddaramiah further said, "Deve Gowda never allows anyone to grow in JD(S) except his family members."

Reacting to Kumaraswamy's statement that Siddaramaiah hatched a plan and spoilt his name, Siddaramaiah said, "Has Kumaraswamy left politics altogether? If he does not have goodwill, there is no question of him getting spoilt."

Appreciating Kumaraswamy on his statement, CM Yediyurappa said, "Former CM H D Kumaraswamy has at last spoken truth with regards to the collpase of the Congress-JD (S) coalition government. Speaking ro reporters at Belagavi, Yediyurappa said, "Kumaraswamy has realized the truth now. That is why he has spoken truth in his own language. At least in future, let him be careful while dealing with Congress."

Responding to the queries of scribes on the statement of Kumaraswamy accusing Congress of destroying his political image, KPCC president D K Shivakumar said, "I will not react to irresponsible and personal statement of Kumaraswamy. I will not give any statement with regards to the thoughts and discussions of JD (S) leaders. Party will take decision unitedly."

Reacting to Kumaraswamy's statement, KPCC executive president Satish Jarkiholi said, "Kumaraswamy's statement about Congress is a closed chapter. There is no question of JD (S)-BJP alliance. Everything is over. Now we cannot discuss this matter. We might have to form a fact-finding committee to check the veracity of Kumaraswamy's statement."

Giving his reaction on Kumaraswamy's accusation C T Ravi, BJP national chief secretary said, "Kumaraswamy is enlightened now. In future he should avoid being friendly with Congress and come out of his wavering mind."

Revenue minister R Ashok said, "The truth that BJP did not bring down the coalition government of JD (S) and Congress, instead Siddaramaiah is the cause for its debacle has come out now. At least now Kumaraswamy is aware of the truth. Anyone who does friendship with Congress have to suffer hardship for sure."