Bengaluru, DHNS: 'Why Election Commission is turning a blind eye to horse trading' Taking exception to the Congress’ denial of horse trading in the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections, former prime minister and JD(S) president H D Deve Gowda wondered if the party is then indulging in ‘donkey trading’.

Addressing reporters here on Wednesday, Gowda made a scathing attack on the Congress and the BJP for trying to upset his party’s prospects in the elections.

“The Congress’ third candidate K C Ramamurthy has only 32 votes. But he is still in the fray. If this is not horse trading, then is this donkey trading?” he remarked.

He did not even spare the Election Commission of India. “Isn’t the Election Commission aware of the horse trading? Why is it then turning a blind eye to it, instead of taking action?” he said and demanded that the Rajya Sabha polls either be countermanded or suspended.

Stating that he was upset and pained by the political developments in the last two weeks, Gowda said that no matter what, he would fight for the survival of his party. “It is not easy to finish off this father-son party,” he said.

He also mentioned that he has been receiving letters and messages on WhatsApp and Facebook from JD(S) workers who are wondering why the party has not taken action against rebel leaders. “They have even stated that I have made a big mistake by not having taken action for this long. But I would like to see who will indulge in cross voting on the day of the poll and then initiate disciplinary action against them. A decision will be taken during a meeting of all the leaders on June 12,” he said.

Gowda said the horse trading began when his party MLA from Chamarajpet B?Z Zameer Ahmed Khan approached the Congress high command. He said that only Khan and Nagamangala MLA N Cheluvarayaswamy have indulged in anti-party activities and suitable action will be taken against them.