Dy CM should resign: Gowda

Gowda sent a clear message to the rebel to quit the ministry. “If Siddaramaiah wants to vigorously pursue the cause of the backward classes, Dalits and minorities, he should resign from the ministry,” said Gowda, whose relations with Siddaramaiah soured after the latter defied him by attending a convention of the backward classes, Dalits and minorities in Hubli a fortnight back, organised by Gowda’s rivals. Siddaramaiah was projected as the Chief Ministerial candidate there.

Gowda hinted that if Siddaramaiah continued to defy the party, he would be sacked. The JD(S), however, would not force him to quit, if he supported its programmes and guided it on various issues, including those concerning Dalits and minorities, he added.

On his directive to Siddaramaiah against associating himself with the Hubli Convention, Gowda said there were ‘‘no curbs on the Dy CM from holding such shows under the party banner.’’

“Siddaramaiah has a deep knowledge of problems of the deprived sections. He could have formulated programmes for their welfare, as he is in the government, and guided the party, taking the legislators into confidence,” said Gowda.