Gowda mocks Hegde's 'value-based politics'

Bangalore, July 20 (UNI) - Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (secular) President Mr. H.D. Devegowda today felt the workers of both JD (United) and JD(S) were more interested in the merger of the two parties.

Speaking to newsmen here he said he had already clarified that he would not be an obstacle in the process of the merger and was ready to resign the President to pave way for the merger. When the remarks made by JD(U) leader Mr. Ramakrisha Hegde was brought to his notice on following procedures properly instead of hastily doing, he said ''who are we to tell the workers. It is the workers' wish to merge the parties and individuals do not matter,'' he added.

On Mr. Hegde's observation that the merger process was not based on principle, he sarcastically remarked that he was happy that Mr. Hegde was still pursuing the 'Value-based politics' when all others were not.

He said irrespective of merger issue, he would undertake tour of all the 28 districts of the State and galvanise the party workers.