HASSAN, 5 DEC

Launching a scathing attack on JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda in his native, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday accused the former PM of not allowing others to grow politically, including those from his own Vokkaliga community.

Gowda's time in politics is over, the CM said here and urged the 92-year-old leader not to indulge in "politics of hate and malice" if he wanted to continue. “He has said he will do politics till his last breath. Let him do it, I don't have any objections.

May god give him good health. But, don't speak about finishing someone politically," Siddaramaiah said.

Addressing 'Jana Kalyana Samavesha', a convention jointly organised by State Congress and Swabhimanigala Okkuta (federation organisations of oppressed communities) here, he said, "I want to tell Deve Gowda, by joining hands with the communal forces, you don't have any right to keep your party's name as Janata Dal (Secular)."

Several Congress leaders including Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, Ministers from State Cabinet participated in the convention, held at the Vokkaliga bastion of Hassan, which is considered a JD(S) stronghold.

Noting that voters are like god for him, the CM citing party's recent win in the by-polls to three Assembly segments of Sandur, Shiggaon and Channapatna, gave credit to the party workers, leaders and people, for the win. "This convention is to thank them."

Shivakumar says he will stand by Siddaramaiah like a "rock"

Shivakumar on Thursday said he will stand by Siddaramaiah like a "rock", until death.  "Don't worry, in Mysuru I have said that this bande (rock) -- DK Shivakumar -- will be with Siddaramaiah. This Shivakumar will be with him, now, tomorrow, and until death. Keep this in mind. This is the history of this Kanakapura bande," Shivakumar, who is often referred to as "Kanakapura bande" by local media and supporters, said. —PTI