Will speak only after results are out: Gowda

Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has kept everyone guessing on the possibility of an alliance in case of a hung verdict by saying that he will speak about it only after the results are out.

During his visit to Hassan on Monday, he refused to comment on media reports about his party’s support to appoint Minister for Public Works H.C. Mahadevappa in case of a coalition government with the Congress.

Meanwhile, an audio clip purported to be of a telephone conversation between Congress candidate from Shravanabelagola Assembly constituency C.S. Putte Gowda and a party worker has led to speculations that Mr. Mahadevappa had an understanding with Mr. Gowda.

In the audio clip, a person (said to be Mr. Putte Gowda) says that Mr. Mahadevappa did not fund the elections, despite the instruction from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, because of his understanding with Mr. Deve Gowda. He is further heard saying that hoping to become the Chief Minister with the support of the JD(S) in case of a hung Assembly, Mr. Mahadevappa did not give the fund.