Daijiworld Media Network – Mysore (SP)

Mysore, Apr 12: “D K Shivakumar has lost control over his mind. It is a mystery as to which party he belongs. I do not know whether he is in Congress party, or is thinking of leaving it. If he is not interested in continuing in the party, let him choose a communal party and join it unconditionally,” advised local MP, H Vishwanath. These comments were passed by him at a press conference held here on Monday April 11.

Vishwanath was hitting back at the former Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee working president. Apparently, criticisms made by Shivakumar against him at a programme organized in the city on Sunday by Mysore District Okkaliga Association had hurt Vishwanath.

“Urban development authorities are vested with the task of distributing house sites to poor people, not me. These sites are not meant for distribution among people of any particular caste. S M Krishna is my leader even now. I can never think of bringing discredit to this great leader. I am not leader of such a stature to deprive Krishna of any opportunities that came his way as alleged. Shivakumar should not have made comments without reading my autobiography, ‘Halli Hakkiya Haadu’,” Vishwanath retorted. It may be recalled that Vishwanath’s mention about the relationship between yesteryear actress, B Saroja Devi and S M Krishna in his autobiography had raised a furore.

In the said programme, Shivakumar had accused Vishwanath of writing some controversial things relating to Krishna, and thereby trying to thwart Krishna from getting good opportunities. He also had said that Vishwanath had blocked the formers attempts to sanction house sites to 1,500 Okkaliga families when he was the urban development minister.

Reacting to the exchange of accusations openly by two Congress leaders, KPCC president, Dr Parameshwar, instructed them to sort out any disputes between them in party forums, without going public or before the media. Speaking to reporters at the party office on Monday, he said he would summon a report on what these leaders had said and under what circumstances. “Party top leadership has already learnt about these verbal exchanges. I will verify whether party rules have been flouted. If so, action will be taken,” he added.