Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 22: "There will not be any political impact if the JD(S) gets merged with the BJP. The JD(S) will lose its identity. People having faith in secular principles will distance themselves from the party," predicted former chief minister Siddaramaiah.

Speaking to media persons on Monday December 21 he said that the JD(S) has already entered into an understanding with the BJP. That is why it has extended support for the anti-farmer bills and no-confidence motion against the council chairman. Because of this, this party is known as the BJP's B team. Still, Kumaraswamy claims his party to be a secular party," Siddaramaiah ridiculed. He said that BJP legislator Arvind Limbavali has not specifically said anything about the merger, adding that that chief minister Yediyurappa, will have the final say in the matter. "When I said during the previous election that the JD(S) was the BJP's B team, many had expressed anger against me. But now it has been proved that I was right. I was defeated in Chamundeshwari constituency by local Congress leaders. In Badami, people ensured my victory. Kumaraswamy did not have any role in these results," he stressed.

Siddaramaiah stated that being the top rung leader of the Congress, he is in a comfortable position. "I am not insane to accept Kumaraswamy's challenge to build a new party and win ten seats. Tomorrow he will ask me to jump into a well. Can I go on following advices?" he quipped. He dismissed the rumours that he will fight the next election from Chamarajpet constituency. He also stressed that party leader and MLC C M Ibrahim, will not desert the Congress.

"It is the habit of the BJP to keep harping on emotional topics. I have never said that the Kodava community eats beef. I have already clarified that if anybody is hurt on the issue, I regret it. Still, unnecessary confusion is being created on the issue," he lamented.