Gowda has no respect for Vokkaligas: Cong

BANGALORE: Urban Development Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday stated that JD(S) national President H D Deve Gowda''s reported controversial statement on eating habits of Vokkaligas and Veerashaivas only ‘reflects his culture''.
"Gowda never respected Vokkaligas and Veerashaivas. In his attempts to become the undisputed king of Vokkaliga community, he smashed the career of C Byre Gowda, B N Bacche Gowda, K N Nage Gowda, Govinde Gowda and Varade Gowda," he alleged at a press conference here.
Going a step ahead, Shivakumar alleged that Deve Gowda was responsible for Byre Gowda''s death."Byre Gowda was harassed to the core. Deve Gowda has did not even spared our religious head," he added.
"Why just Vokkaligas? Even Veerashaiva leaders like S R Bommai and J H Patel suffered under Gowda. He did not want anybody to prosper," he alleged.
He further said: "Gowda believes only in vote bank politics. He created hue and cry over death of a farmer in Vitlenahalli police firing. But Gowda did not have the courtesy to attend Byre Gowda''s funeral."
Recalling another incident during Narasimharaja by-elections when Gowda expressed his desire to be a Muslim in his next birth, Shivakumar sarcastically remarked: "Why wait for next birth? He can convert into a Muslim even now. If required, I will make arrangements."
On JD(S) leader P G R Sindhia''s demand for Chief Minister S M Krishna''s resignation for ''failing'' to prevent farmers'' suicide, he said neither Sindhia nor Gowda have to the right to speak on the issue.
"I know what the JD government did for farmers when it was in power. Gowda abetted Eagleton Golf Resorts to encroach 212 acres, including farmers'' land. The case is pending before the Supreme Court," he pointed out.