Bengaluru, DHNS: Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation D V Sadananda Gowda on Saturday described Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi as ‘Bhasmasura’ (a demon in Hindu mythology).

“Rahul Gandhi is like Bhasmasura. Those who go with him will be reduced to ashes. The JD(S) will face the same consequences if the party decides to join hands with the Congress leader in the coming days,” he told reporters who sought his reaction to speculation in political circles that like-minded Opposition parties may form a coalition to check the surge of the BJP in the country.

“We have seen what happened to the coalition (Congress-SP) in Uttar Pradesh. Those who go with him will face the same consequences,” he stated, referring to the debacle of Akhilesh Yadav-led SP in the recently held UP Assembly elections.

He further said a section of the electorate in Nanjangud Assembly constituency was of the view that JD(S) willingly sent Kalale Keshavamurthy to Congress to fight BJP’s V Srinivas Prasad in the upcoming byelection. “The sinking Congress is desperately trying to hold on to whatever it gets. It appears that JD(S), too, wants it (alliance),” he stated.