BJP MLC's disqualification: JD (S) MLA says it's judgment of Goddess

Mysuru: The Karnataka High Court ruling on Tuesday that disqualification of A.H. Vishwanath as MLA continues and he is not eligible to be appointed a minister seems to have come as good news for JD (S) MLA Sa Ra Mahesh, who offered pooja to Goddess Chamundeshwari atop Chamundi Hills and hailed the verdict. Mr Mahesh said that the 'Goddess of Justice' had given the right judgment to Mr Vishwanath who is a nominated MLC.

Mr Mahesh accused Mr Vishwanath of defecting to BJP after taking money from the party. When the latter denied the allegation, Mr Mahesh challenged him to swear before Goddess Chamundeshwari that he had not taken any money. Both went to the temple and returned without performing pooja swearing the truth of their stands.

Speaking to media persons in Mysuru on Tuesday, Mr Mahesh said, "I brought Mr Vishwanath to JD(S) from the Congress, though many advised me against it. And he was made the State President of the party. But since I brought him to the party, many worked against me in elections. After he defected from the party, Mr Vishwanath alleged that I was the reason for it. But it was he who defected to BJP for money. Now the Goddess has given the right judgment. I dropped Rs 1001 in the treasure box of Goddess Chamundeshwari as atonement for challenging Mr Viswanath to swear in front of the Goddess," he said.

He said, "BJP had no intension to give minister post to Mr Vishwanath. If so they would have got him elected from legislative council. His Mumbai team is responsible for his situation now. One of those 17 MLAs who accompanied him to Mumbai during 'Operation Lotus' filed petition against him to ensure he didn't become minister.

He was elected as MLA by Hunsur people, but he went against the mandate and joined BJP. He was taught befitting lesson," Mr Sa Ra Mahesh said.