Even as public debate over the remarks of JD(S) State president A.H. Vishwanath escalates tension within the coalition government, coordination committee head Siddaramaiah and Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy have reportedly emphasised the need to bury the hatchet and not to speak in public on the matter.

Interestingly, although both leaders were in the same hotel here for some time, they did not meet as Mr. Siddaramaiah left for canvassing at Kundagol. Mr. Kumaraswamy had stayed in the hotel, off Gokul Road, overnight and Mr. Siddaramaiah arrived on Tuesday morning before departing for canvassing. An hour later, Mr. Kumaraswamy left for Chincholi.

Speaking over phone, Mr. Kumaraswamy is said to have stressed the need to sort out contentious issues. According to sources, senior JD(S) leader Basavaraj Horatti and former Minister Vinay Kulkarni were present when the conversation between the two leaders took place.

Sources said the leaders spoke about media reports on Mr. Vishwanath’s remarks and the counter-remarks by leaders of the coalition partners, and about how they were sending a wrong signal to the public with all this.