Date:19/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/09/19/stories/2005091915310400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Siddaramaiah hits out at dynasty rule in politics

Staff Reporter

Guddali puja for installation of freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna's statue performed

GROUND-BREAKING ACT: Former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah performing the `guddali puja' at Devaraja Urs Circle, in Bangalore on Sunday. From left, Bharatiya Janata Party leader K.S. Eshwarappa, former Mayor Hutchappa, Congress leader Ramachandra ppa, former Minister Krishnappa, MLAs Vatal Nagaraj and V. Somanna are seen. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

BANGALORE: Leaders, who work to ensure that their children will inherit their reigns of power, will do anything to satisfy their selfish ends.

Such people are a threat to the interests of the State, former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said here on Sunday, indirectly referring to the President of the Janata Dal (Secular) H.D. Deve Gowda.

Smear campaign

At the "guddali puja" for the installation of the statue of freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna at Devaraj Urs Circle here, Mr. Siddaramaiah said he had not yet been invited by the Janata Dal (S)'s executive committee meeting. He said he will surely attend the executive committee meeting if invited by the party members.

Mr. Siddaramaiah said, "When I opposed the selfish tendency of some people in the party, they launched a smear campaign against me and then I had to come out of the party. Unless men are honest, it is impossible to provide a Government free from corruption."

He said politicians were ready to do anything to grab a ministerial berth.

Demand

On demands that the Bangalore City Railway Station should be named after Sangolli Rayanna, he said he will take up the matter with the Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader K.S. Eswarappa said Mr. Siddaramaiah had paid dearly for ignoring advice on forces that will hamper his growth in the Janata Dal (Secular).

Inquiry

Vatal Nagaraj, MLA, demanded an inquiry into the assets amassed by politicians and IAS officers in the State.