Former prime minister and JD(S) candidate H D Deve Gowda, Congress leader Siddaramaiah, MP S P Muddahanumegowda and former MLA K N Rajanna addressed a convention of the coalition parties here on Wednesday.
The participation of Muddahanumegowda and Rajanna, who had earlier opposed Gowda’s candidature and were later forced to tow Congress’ line, came as a surprise to many.
Muddahanumegowda said he will work in earnest for Gowda, the JD(S)-Congress candidate, in the interest of the country. “I have seen B form, C form and all. Some people are celebrating looking at plight. I am a tragic hero. But I will not cheat the party. My hand is clean,” he said taking the name of Goddess Dandina Mariyamma.
Gowda said Rajanna has made a request to make Madhugiri a district. “I will extend my complete cooperation in this regard and bring this issue to the notice of Chief Minister Kumaraswamy.”
He said comprehensive irrigation and supply of drinking water to Tumakuru district are his priorities.
“The BJP leaders are making false allegations that I created hurdles for irrigation project in the district,” he claimed and said that no one has the morality to question his commitment to water supply and irrigation.