No question of joining hands with BJP, says Gowda

As both the Congress and the BJP are two sides of the same coin, the question of joining hands with the BJP to root out Congress in the upcoming Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha bypoll does not arise, said former prime minister H D Deve Gowda.

Addressing mediapersons in Udupi on Tuesday, the JD(S) supremo rubbished Congress’ allegation of the party aligning with the BJP as baseless and said it was a triangular contest in the Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha bypoll.

The bypoll result in the coastal belt would play a decisive role in the State’s politics, Deve Gowda said though the BJP has a strong base in Udupi-Chikmagalur, recent developments  in the region are in favour of change.

“I have been touring four Assembly constituencies in Chikmagalur and have sensed anti-BJP sentiment  among the people. Each of the constituencies is beset by its own set of problems,” he said.

Holding the Congress responsible for allowing the BJP to grow in an unrestrained manner and entrenching its anti-democratic attitudes in the State, the former prime minister took credit for calling upon all the secular forces in the State to oppose ‘Operation Kamala,’ a process that undermined the democratic system.

The Congress which did not extend its support then is now accusing the JD(S) of reaching out to the BJP, quipped Deve Gowda.

Hinting at Congress’ failure in implementing recommendations of both Sachar Committee and Ranganath Committee, the  JD(S) supremo said the party has no moral right to seek votes from the minorities.

“In the current political scenario, the role of regional parties can be undermined at our own peril. Also, the JD(S) will render its support in the formation of the Third Front during the next parliamentary elections,” Deve Gowda said.

Stressing that he would continue to be active in politics, the former prime minister denied harbouring any desire to contest polls.

HDK in naxal areas

On Tuesday, former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy campaigned for the party candidate S L Bhoje Gowda in naxal infested areas in Amasebylu.

Citing failure of successive governments in ushering in development in the region as the main reason behind the rise in naxal movement, Kumaraswamy said naxal movement could not be addressed by the power of the guns.