Hunsur: Former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy (HDK) has categorically said that as long as he was in politics, he will not allow Chamundeshwari  MLA G.T. Devegowda (GTD) return to Janata Dal (Secular).

Addressing party workers at Adichunchanagiri Community Hall here yesterday, he said both Devegowda and his son, G.D. Harish Gowda have grown like a big banyan tree. Parallel to them, a new sapling will be planted. Disciplinary action will be initiated against those who work or talk against party. Lots of people, including Periyapatna MLA K. Mahadev, were dependent on G.T. Devegowda. “I want to see the future of those leaders in case Chamundeshwari MLA joins Congress,”  he said.

Reacting to BJP MLC A.H. Vishwanath’s statement that being a former CM, Kumaraswamy must not involve in society elections, he said that villages and societies were the sources of politics. “Our family has seen milk unions and Delhi Red Fort. We are ready to do everything to strengthen JD(S). We will not support any individual, who talks of finishing the party. At the same time, workers will not be neglected. Already, we have complained to Co-operation Minister against the new system of electing 15 Directors by dividing Hunsur and Mysuru divisions for MyMUL polls and requested him to follow the existing system of electing nine directors all taluks,” HDK said.

Later, talking to reporters, he sought to know whether G.T Devegowda deserved to be made the CM just because he defeated Siddharamaiah in 2018 Assembly elections. Was the Minister’s post was not sufficient for him? “Devegowda is slowly distancing himself from the party by indulging in anti-party activities. Party doors are permanently shut for him. He will not be taken back into the party fold as long as I am in active politics,” he added.

MLA S.R. Mahesh, JD(S) District President Narasimhamurthy and others were present.

‘No one has made me in-charge of anything’

“No one has made me in-charge of anything at  anytime. I have grown on my own in the field of co-operation in last 50 years. I have made several co-operators as President. I have no other intentions, except encouraging co-operators,” said Chamundeshwari MLA G.T. Devegowda.

Reacting to former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy’s statement that those who were given responsibility were not with him, he said “We have never lost in the dairy elections. Winners would listen to us  and will elect the new President. However, it was not possible to change them overnight.” 

“H.D. Revanna is the Dairy President, KMF Director and a former Minister, can he be removed from any post? Can I remove him? Likewise, none can remove senior co-operators”, he added.