Date:08/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/07/08/stories/2005070804030500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

`Srinivas should resign'

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Three Congress MLCs on Thursday demanded that the resignation of the Horticulture Minister and Janata Dal (S) leader, R. Srinivas, for making "wild allegations" against their party. They urged the Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, to drop him from the Cabinet if he does not resign. Addressing a press conference, V.S. Ugrappa, B.A. Hasanabba and Mallajamma said Mr. Srinivas's reported remarks that the Janata Dal (S) is fed up with "shani sahavasa" with the Congress and is eager to leave the coalition are objectionable and in poor taste.

They took umbrage at his reported statement that the former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has "saved many Congress leaders from having to go to jail."

Mr. Ugrappa said Mr. Srinivas has shown that the JD(S) is ready to quit the coalition. He said that the Congress has, even today, reservations over the coalition arrangement with the JD(S).