JD (S) MLA denies taking money from Congress

Mysuru: Veteran politician and JD (S) MLA G.T. Devegowda has denied the allegation of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that he had taken money from the Congress during the Lok Sabha elections. He has said that he would quit politics if Mr Siddaramaiah proved the allegation.

Speaking to media persons here on Tuesday, he said, "Our senior JD (S) leaders had told us to support the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections. To take care of booth level expenses, Mr Yatindra Siddaramaiah (son of Siddaramaiah) had given some money to JD(S) district president Mr Raju. I had met Mr Siddaramaiah during that time. But I was not involved in any financial transaction and I had not taken any money from anyone," Devegowda said.

"Mr Siddaramaiah and I have been together in politics for the past 25 years. I have not taken money from anyone for anything. Mr Siddaramaiah too has not taken any money from anyone. I don't know why he has made such statement and he only has to give explanation on that," the MLA said.

He added, "There were speculations on the outcome of Mysuru, Mandya and Tumkur Lok Sabha election results following reports that there was either local understanding or money changed hands. Local understanding happened at the last minute, so it did not work. It was the people who elected MPs there, and Modi wave worked. Everyone should understand it," he said.

When asked if he would join BJP after completing his term as MLA, Mr Devegowda said, "Politics has got polluted in all parties. There is no wonder if I remain in JD (S) itself from where I have won MLA seat now. I will take decision, considering the opinions of people," he said.