TNN

Bangalore, mar 5: The bickering between Congress MP Tejaswini Gowda and KPCC working president D K Shiva Kumar got murkier on Wednesday with the former accusing him of harassing her for being a woman, and plotting to finish her politically.

"Kumar is making all attempts to deny me the Congress ticket. He is doing this to ensure I quit the party. But I will not quit the party on any count and will see that I get the ticket at any cost,'' Tejaswini told reporters here. She also accused Kumar of instigating the BJP to take up Operation Lotus.

Tejaswini, a journalist-turned-politician, emerged a giant-killer in the 2004 elections by humbling former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda from Kanakapura. Kumar had brought her to politics and fielded her against Gowda.

Reacting to Tejeswini's accusation, Kumar asked: "Who am I to deny her the ticket or finish off her politically?'' he asked, adding that he would not complaint about her to the high command.

KPCC president R V Deshpande said: "I really don't know what is their problem. If there's anything, I'll find out by tomorrow and will make appropriate recommendations to the high command.''