Sonia-Gowda meet report causes stir

The JDS and its coalition partner BJP have however denied that the meeting took place and rubbished talks of a realliance. But, a JDS minister had initially confirmed the meeting saying the two leaders had discussed the Cauvery imbroglio. But, Forest Minister C Chenigappa later issued a statement denying any knowledge of the meeting.

8220;I know for sure that Deve Gowda left Bangalore for New Delhi to meet Sonia Gandhi, but my leader has not discussed a Congress-JDS coalition,8221; Chenigappa said on Wednesday morning, before hurriedly denying any meeting in the evening. The two leaders discussed the Cauvery issue, he had stated.

JDS sources said the former PM intends to meet the UPA chairperson over the Cauvery issue. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy too labeled reports of the meeting as baseless.

BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa termed the reports 8220;false and baseless8221;. He said it was being spread by power hungry Congress leaders in Karnataka. 8220;But I will speak to Gowda on this issue,8221; he told reporters.

Kumaraswamy is scheduled to hand over the chief minister8217;s chair to the BJP at the completion of 20 months of the coalition government.