No change in our stand on support to Congress: Karnataka CM

Tirupati, May 18 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday said Janata Dal (S) had already committed its support to the Congress for formation of government at the Centre and there was no change in its stand.

"We have already committed our support to Congress president. Our stand is not going to change," Kumaraswamy told reporters in this temple town after offering prayers at Tirumala temple with his father and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda on the occasion of latter's birthday.

Deve Gowda said no invitation was received from UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi for the May 23 meeting. "We are with the Congress. The results will come on May 23 and there will be a clear picture before the entire country," Gowda said.

Kumaraswamy said JD (S)-Congress combine would win more number of seats in this election in Karnataka.

"According to my analysis, we may reach 18-19 seats," said the Karnataka Chief Minister.

Deve Gowda said he has been visiting Lord Venkateswara temple on May 18 every year to seek the blessings of the deity to give energy and strength to serve the people of the country. "With His blessings, I served the nation for some time. No discrimination was shown against any section. There were no farmer suicides," he said.

Kumaraswamy said for the last 35 years, the family has been visiting this temple on his father's birthday to seek divine blessings. He said they pray for good rains and for welfare of farmers.

Temple priests offered them 'prasadam'. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials received Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy.