80 per cent vote transfer did happen: Dinesh Gundu Rao

Bengaluru, 02 May 2019 [Fik/News Sources]: Contradicting higher education minister  G. T. Deve Gowda's statement on reported cross-voting in Mysuru Lok Sabha constituency, a visibly upset KPCC president Dinesh Gundu Rao claimed on Wednesday that coalition partners have succeeded in achieving almost 80 per cent in terms of transfer of votes to respective candidates during the elections.

The KPCC chief, however, admitted that about 20 per cent of votes of the partners was affected owing to disagreement on both sides. "This happens when two rival parties come together. What really matters is 80 per cent voter base of both parties coming together," he added.

He also conceded that Mr Gowda's statement was not good for the coalition government. "I am not able to figure it out about how he (Mr Gowda) worked during the election because he has given contradictory statements. Such statements are not good for the coalition government. Such things would happen when those given the responsibility do not work sincerely. There seems to be lack of sincerity," he added.

Criticising Mr Gowda' for his statement about the delay in formalizing the seat-sharing pact, Mr  Rao said it was known to all when the coalition government took shape. "We forged the coalition much earlier. There was no delay in forming the coalition. Everyone knew earlier that the Congress would field the candidate in Mysuru constituency under the seat-sharing formula. I don't know in which context Mr Gowda made these remarks," Mr Rao added.

Answering  another query on rebellion in Kundgol and Chincholi Assembly constituencies, he said Congress leaders were well equipped to handle these minor issues.