With the rumours of the BJP poaching K.R. Pet legislator K.C. Narayana Gowda growing, supporters of the JD(S) leader on Saturday released photos of Mr. Gowda receiving treatment in a hospital.
The two-time JD(S) MLA, who is said to be upset with the party leadership, has not been seen publicly in the past few days. He also did not attend the State Budget session despite strict instructions to do so.
It was speculated that top BJP leaders in the State were in constant contact with Mr. Gowda and were trying to get him to switch sides. On Saturday, some followers of Mr. Gowda released four photos and a 57-second video clipping of the MLA in a hospital.
According to them, the pictures and video were taken three days ago and the K.R. Pet legislator was in a hospital in Mumbai. In the video, Mr. Gowda is seen saying he would attend the session once he is discharged from hospital.
However, according to Congress and BJP leaders, Mr. Gowda visited the residence of one of his supporters in Hosahalli on Saturday. When The Hindu attempted to contact him, neither Mr. Gowda nor his personal assistant was available for comment.