Gowda calls Karnataka CM a “madman”

The war of words between Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda has escalated with the latter calling the former a “madman”, much to the chagrin of BJP leaders and supporters.

Gowda, who is already nursing a strong grouse against the BJP for poaching its MLAs with the help of money generated by the mining barons turned BJP leaders of the State, had urged the Federal Government to nationalize mines so that the natural resources in the state are protected from indiscriminate exploitation.

But, Yeddyurappa made light of Gowda’s demand and wondered aloud “Why did he (Gowda) not nationalize mines when he was the Prime Minister?”.

Gowda, who was apparently irked by Yeddyurappa’s counter to his demand, sought to dismiss the Chief Minister’s observation when reporters sought his reaction. “I don’t have to react to what a madman says”, Gowda said bluntly.

However, he added that mining was confined to a few pockets when he was the Prime Minister of the country more than ten years ago. “Now, it has spread across the country and has become a national menace”, Gowda said.

Nationalization of mines was his long-pending demand, Gowda claimed. “Only nationalization can save our minerals and resources. There is no ulterior motive in putting forward the demand”, Gowda said.

But, Gowda’s reference to Karnataka Chief Minister as a “madman” has left the BJP leaders in the State fuming. Many BJP supporters were quick to seek an apology from the JD (S) supremo.

However, Yeddyurappa refused to be drawn into a fresh debate with Gowda over the matter. “I will not reply to his statement. He is a tall leader, who has occupied the post of Prime Minister”, Yeddyurappa said with a tinge of sarcasm.

Meanwhile, JD (S) has threatened to “teach a bitter lesson” to its party MLAs, who quit the Assembly recently and joined the BJP to become Ministers in the Yeddyurappa Cabinet.
“A bitter lesson awaits the betrayers during the by-elections”, President of JD (S) Karnataka unit Merajuddin Patel said.