HDK fumbles on able independent

BELLARY: Former CM H D Kumaraswamy had a tough time explaining the JD(S)’ support to an ‘able independent’ candidate in the Bellary bypoll.Kumaraswamy, while stating that the JD(S) would remain equidistant from the BJP and Congress, urged the people to support an ‘able independent’ candidate here on Wednesday. When asked who the ‘able independent’ be, he said, “That could be a person who can give a good fight in the election.” When asked whether he was referring to B Sriramulu, he lost his temper and said, “Why are you forcing your ideas on me. Our party workers have been asked to remain neutral.” On whether the JD(S) is in its final stage, Kumaraswamy retorted, “Let it be known that the BJP came to power in Karnataka only with our support.”