Bangalore : The Opposition parties in Karnataka, including Congress and Janata Dal (Secular), today kept away from the tea party hosted by new Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda.

”The tea party arranged specially for Opposition parties at Chief Minister’s official residence Anugraha had to be cancelled since leader of Opposition parties failed to turn up,” official sources said.

The Chief Minister, who took oath on August 4, after B S Yeddyurappa resigned following indictment for corruption by the Karnataka Lokayukta in the report on illegal iron ore mining in the state, had announced that he would consult the Opposition parties and take suggestions for providing effective administration every week.

But his first attempt failed since Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah (Congress), JD(S) Floor Leader in the Assembly H D Revanna, Leader of the Opposition in Legislative Council Motamma and JD(S) Floor Leader M C Nanaiah opted not to attend the tea party hosted by the new Chief Minister despite Mr Gowda inviting them over phone personally besides sending official invitation.