Ruling BJP lacks support within the party: Congress

BANGALORE: The Congress in Karnataka today alleged that the ruling BJP led by D V Sadananda Gowda lacked support within the party,as seen by its leader B S Yeddyurappa embarking on a state-wide tour to highlight 'shortcomings' of the government in handling drought.

"Yeddyurappa and Gowda are squabbling over the leadership issue rather than addressing people's grievances, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Commitee President G Parameshwar said and slammed the former chief Minister for 'playing politics' over drought.

He also demanded that the government be dissolved as "it is throwing laws to the wind" on the appointment of Lokayukta and Upalokayukta.

"The government proposed Lokayukta and Upa Lokayukta's names throwing norms to the wind. It should be dismissed," he said at Babu Jagajivan Ram's 105th birthday celebrations here.

Opposition Congress leader Siddaramaiah also slammed Yeddyurappa for focusing on drought now and demaned to know why he had not raised the issue in the assembly.

"Why was Yeddyurappa silent in the Assembly on the drought situation. Why is he now visiting drought-hit areas? He is playing politics," he asked.

Yeddyurappa should have focused much more on drought, instead of visiting Delhi and camping at a resort, demanding the Chief Minister's post, Siddaramaiah said.