'Aware of BJP's attempts to topple Congress govt', says DyCM D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru/Belagavi, Oct 18: The new-found allies BJP and JD(S) have reached the end of their frustration and disillusionment that they can be rescued only with a major surgery, ridiculed Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday.

Speaking to media persons near his residence in Bengaluru, he declined to comment on the meeting between Congress party leaders Jagadish Shettar and Ramesh Jarkiholi and said there is no need to suspect their loyalties or capabilities.

“The strengths and abilities of both Shettar and Jarkiholi is known to everybody,’’ he said refusing to attribute any motives in their meetings.

Shivakumar said he was aware of the BJP efforts to topple the Congress government and their reported meetings with some Congress legislators.

“I know who have met which of our party leaders and also the details of their offers. The legislators concerned have furnished details of the meetings and offers made by the BJP leaders to me as well as the Chief Minister,’’ he claimed.

‘No rift within Congress’

Later, speaking to media persons at the Belagavi airport, the Deputy Chief Minister clarified that there is no rift or dissension within the Congress party and all the 136 MLAs are united.

Shivakumar said there was no need to attribute any motives to the absence of Congress party leaders to receive him at the airport as all the legislators have been in touch with him.

Asked to comment on BJP leaders claiming that the rift within Congress will commence from Belagavi, he said he is in touch with Satish Jarkiholi and he will accompanying during my tours.

Shivakumar said he will be reviewing the irrigation projects in the district, especially in the Hukkeri constituency.