Terming his ouster by Janata Dal (Secular) supremo H D Deve Gowda as an "act of vendetta and undemocractic," sacked Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Saturday, categorically ruled out joining any party, including the Congress.
Pouring out his anger against Gowda, a day after he was sacked as the deputy chief minister, he accused the former prime minister of being "a dictator, no less than Hitler."
Coming down heavily on his dismissal and of two ministers loyal to him, Siddaramaiah said the party supremo's action was "bereft of any reason" as none of them faced any charges or were incompetent to handle ministries. "I am in Janata Dal (S). I am a Janata Dal man. It is my house," he said in a press conference, categorically ruling out joining any other party.
Siddaramaiah said Gowda rejected the CM's post to JDS only to prevent him from becoming the chief minister. He claimed that his efforts were responsible in bringing the support of backward classes, dalits and minorities for the party, which helped it win more seats in the last assembly elections.
"I am committed to secularism and social justice. I need not take lessons from Gowda on these issues. Has Gowda not attended caste based programmes," he asked. Gowda has insulted BCs, dalits and minorities, he alleged and said he would acccept his dismissal as a challenge and fight for the cause of oppressed sections.
Siddaramaiah asserted that he brought in financial soundness in Karnataka and was a more pro-farmer leader as he gave them interest waiver and low interest farm credit.
Meanwhile, National Democratic Alliance Convenor and Janata Dal (United) leader George Fernandes met Siddaramaiah, in an apparent move to wean him away to his party.
After the meeting, Fernandes declined to comment on the discussions he had with Siddaramaiah. "He (Siddaramaiah) is a wise person. He knows what exactly needs to be done in a certain situation," Fernandes said to repeated queries on whether he invited the rebel JDS leader to join JDU.
© 2024 Rediff.com -