Deve Gowda hits out at the BJP for remarks against Governor

BANGALORE: Opposition JD(S) today came out in support for Governor H R Bhardwaj, who is at loggerheads with the ruling BJP for some time, saying he was "correct" in demanding clarification on land scam and illegal mining issues from Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa.

Speaking to reporters after releasing the manifesto for the coming Zilla and Taluk Panchayat polls, party chief HD Deve Gowda said Bhardwaj had "gone by the rule book" when he sent letters to Yeddyurappa seeking clarification.

On December 15, the Governor had shot off two letters to Yeddyurappa asking him to send a detailed report on the land scams allegedly involving his family members and also what action had been taken to stop illegal mining, with specific reference to the Reddy brothers, ministers and mining magnates Janardhana and Karunakara.

"As the Head of the state, he was correct in seeking explanation from the Chief Minister on illegal mining and the land scam", he said.

"The BJP reacting belligerently against him is not good," Gowda said.

State BJP chief K S Eshwarappa had criticised Bhardwaj's action and alleged that he was acting as the leader of the Opposition in the state.

Gowda also demanded that the BJP reveals details on the issue on which clarification was sought.