Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Dec 14: "It is a shame that Chief Minister (CM), who has divided the Lingayat community, is starting his 'Nava Karnataka Nirmana Yatre' from Basava Kalyana, birthplace of Basavanna, who preached the principle of equality," said H D Devegowda, ex-prime minister.

He was speaking after inaugurating the huge 'Dalit Conference' organized by JD(S) at Palace Grounds on Wednesday, December 13.

He continued his accusations against the CM and said, "Basaveshwara reformed the society and Siddaramaiah is dividing his followers. Two of his cabinet ministers have been given the responsibility of breaking the unity of Lingayats. He is dreaming of continuing in power at the cost of demolition of the Lingayat society."

"The state has never seen in its history, the corruption and anomaly that have taken place in the last four and half years. However, there is no one to bring these atrocities to light. The government has looted the state exchequer in the name of 'Packages'. I am even ashamed to take the name of such packages. Siddaramaiah has given a contract of Rs 600 crore to a foreign company to put advertisement holdings describing these as his achievements," he accused.