Amid speculations that JD(S) MLA from KR Pete, KC Narayana Gowda, was joining the BJP, the legislator has now released a video saying he is unwell. On Thursday, several WhatsApp groups were flooded with a video recording of Narayana Gowda's statement that he is suffering from food poisoning and that he will not be able to attend the budget session on Friday.
“I have been admitted to the hospital due to food poisoning and the doctors say I will be discharged in a couple of days. I have spoken to Kumaranna (CM HD Kumaraswamy) and the Speaker (Ramesh Kumar). I have told them about my predicament. I have also informed them that I will attend the assembly sessions once I am well,” Narayana Gowda says in the video.
JD(S) sources say that Narayana Gowda has been admitted to Jaslok Multi Specialty Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai as he is suffering from food poisoning.
Rumours were rife that Narayana Gowda had been holding talks with the BJP after his absence was noticed on the first day of the Assembly session on February 6. However, on Thursday, Narayana Gowda's followers held a meeting in KR Pete and decided that they would follow him to the BJP if he decides to quit JD(S).
JD(S) insiders told TNM that Narayana Gowda has been miffed after Kumaraswamy allegedly refused to grant him Rs 40 crore funds for the development of his constituency.
"Narayana Gowda is a well-known figure in Mandya. He has been feeling sidelined. It is true that the BJP approached him and held talks with him. He has now said he will stay with the JD(S),” the source added.
Nine Congress leaders, too, were absent during the session on day one and the BJP began shouting slogans against the Congress-JD(S) coalition alleging that they did not have the numbers to pass the budget. The Congress leaders are holding a legislative party meeting ahead of the Budget presentation to decide whether these legislators must be disqualified as a party whip was issued on February 5.