Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jun 20: H Vishwanath, who has resigned as the state JD(S) president, and who has refused to budge from his decision not to take back his resignation, surprisingly met unhappy Congress leader, Ramalinga Reddy, who is nursing a grouse for not being made a minister, on Wednesday June 19. It may be noted that Vishwanath too has been airing his unhappiness against the coalition government.

Vishwanath had sprung a surprise a few days back by meeting BJP MP, Srinivas Prasad.

After holding consultations with Reddy at the latter's residence, Vishwanath told the media persons that he has been a friend of Reddy since the last four decades. "We sat together, had tea, and exchanged pleasantries. I also keep meeting Srinivas Prasad often. Even Yeddyurappa is my friend," he said.

Vishwanath said that there is no question of withdrawal of resignation he has tendered to the post of the state JD(S) president. He said that during the prolonged discussions he had with Deve Gowda on Tuesday, he had convinced the national president of the party to accept his resignation.

When the media persons observed that people opposed to Siddaramaiah are coming together, he said that none of them are anti-Siddaramaiah. "Siddaramaiah is our leader, and he is the chairman of the coordination committee," he said in a tone that sounded ironic.

On this occasion, Ramalinga Reddy clarified that he does not aspire to be a minister and that he never goes to people begging to be made a minister. "I expressed my frustration at the discrimination witnessed in giving the posts of ministers, not because I was not picked for the post," he stated.