Congress too weak a rival, says Kumaraswamy

Campaign against corruption continues as poll plank of JD(S)

Outcome of local body elections will be their expression of disgust against the BJP, he says.

After an aggressive campaign against corruption in the BJP government, the JD(S) leader is now preparing to take on the ruling party on electoral front in the crucial zilla and taluk panchayat polls. He has set out on a mission to net leaders who could upset the poll calculations of the rival parties. The Congress, he thinks, is too weak to be considered as a potential rival. 

In an interview with P M Raghunandan of Deccan Herald, Kumaraswamy shared his views on political developments and electoral prospects of his party. Excerpts from the interview:

Will your campaign against corruption help in securing more seats in the ZP and TP polls?

Certainly. The Government now stands exposed. People in every nook and corner discuss rampant corruption. Our party doesn’t have to educate people on this issue. We will only inform them about the unfulfilled promises of the Government.

Your family is accused of targeting Veerashaiva community to which Yeddyurappa belongs...

The BJP is playing dirty caste politics. My family is not against any community. We have been fighting corruption and maladministration. We have always stood by Veerashaivas, at all crucial junctures. For instance, it was Deve Gowda who made J H Patel the chief minister.

You did not succeed in ousting Yeddyurappa, whom you brand as the most corrupt...

Yeddyurappa has got only temporary relief now. After the ZP and TP polls, the BJP high command will realise its blunder. The poll results will trigger a political churning and Yeddyurappa will be shown the doors by his own party. Besides, the JD(S) will take up a people’s movement against corruption after the polls.

Why is the JD(S) silent on corruption in the UPA government?

It is not true. The JD(S) too has demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the 2 G spectrum scam. We have decided to make corruption at the Centre an election issue against the Congress in the State too.

You are reviving the erstwhile Janata Dal in the State. Is it because the JD(S) is too weak to face the BJP and the Congress?

Yes, I am making an attempt. A large number of senior leaders in other parties have their roots in the erstwhile Janata Dal. They are disillusioned with the present day politics. Majority of them want to rejoin the JD(S). The revival process has already begun.  

Will Siddaramaiah too return?

No, I am not trying to woo Siddaramaiah. He is holding a responsible position in the Congress as the Opposition leader. I do not want to embarrass him by commenting anything on him. If he wants to come back, we will welcome him.
 
Your poll prospects...

Of the total 30 ZPs, we are confident of winning at least 14 to 15. In another five to six ZPs, our party will play the key role in holding the reins of power. The BJP and the Congress will have to fight for the second place.