Daijiworld Media Network - Chitradurga (SP)

Chitradurga, Feb 27: Former minister, Gali Janardhana Reddy, who has been linked to one controversy or the other, claimed on Sunday February 26 that Congress in the state is paranoid about him. "Realizing that they can rise to power in the state only if I am kept away, they kept me inside jail for three and half years and got elected to power in Karnataka," he analyzed.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 'Guruvandana' programme organized by the Reddy community from the district at Vinayaka Kalyana Mantap on Challakere Road in the town on Sunday February 26. The programme was meant to pay respects to Sri Vemanananda Swamiji.

"We have been living honestly, and working hard to earn our livelihood. People in Congress know that they cannot rise to power as far as I stand as stumbling block in their way. That is why they conspired to push me behind the bars. I have neither done anything wrong nor committed treachery," he stated.

Reddy observed that in the past, Reddys in Karnataka were divided into two categories, Vemareddys in south Karnataka and Hemareddys in north Karnataka. He expressed happiness at the fact that both the factions have come together and showed to the world their might together.

Reddy, who felicitated Sri Vemanananda Swamiji at the function, said that he came to Chitradurga as per the promise he had made during the state level convention at Bengaluru. He said that he does not have the freedom to visit Ballari often, as he needs court permission to do so. He however said Chitradurga feels like his own hometown, Ballari.