Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Feb 8: JD(S) publicity committee president, Y S V Datta, who has been with the party through thick and thin, has expressed his dissatisfaction about certain party leaders.

Speaking to media persons here on Monday February 7, Datta said he has no doubt about the commitment of the JD(S) national president, Deve Gowda, to secular principles. "I know Deve Gowda always takes a secular stand. But the same cannot be said about Kumaraswamy. Even now I repose full faith in the ability of Deve Gowda to stick to secular policies," he stated.

Datta expressed his dissatisfaction at the fact that the JD(S) has not been seen taking on the BJP with grit and enthusiasm of late. He felt that the secular fabric of the party is developing pores. He stressed that being a regional party, the JD(S) has to maintain equal distance from both the Congress and the BJP.

Datta met the leader of the opposition, Siddaramaiah, and held consultations with him. This gave rise to speculations in political circles because of Datta's dissatisfaction about the JD(S). It is said that he had met Siddaramaiah to discuss reopening of the finger millet procurement centre under the government's support price scheme at Kadur by bringing pressure on the government. At that time, it is said, political issues were also discussed.

Reacting to the reports, Siddaramaiah said it is left to Datta to join the Congress party, adding that he personally does not force anyone to take such decisions.