Don't misread Kumaraswamy-Sonia talks: Gowda

Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal-Secular supremo H D Deve Gowda has reiterated his party's commitment to the Third Front and said there was nothing to read in between the lines just because his son, H D Kumaraswamy, met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Gowda, who addressed a press conference in Bangalore on Wednesday, said Kumaraswamy met Gandhi to clarify the party's commitment to the Third Front. The meeting held in New Delhi had raised speculation that the JD-S was opting out of the Third Front and joining hands with the Congress.

"Sonia Gandhi is a responsible leader and she has categorically asserted her party's commitment to a third alternative. The Janata Dal-Secular is a strong pillar of the third alternative," Gowda further added.

He also said that leaders of like-minded parties will meet in New Delhi either on May 16 or 17, and discuss various aspects pertaining to the future course of action. Gowda further added that there is no difference of opinion among Third Front members and that they continue to think in one voice.