Staying in power for 11 months was a wonder: DVS

Former chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda has said not meeting  the personal agenda of some ministers and party legislators led to his ouster.

Words of praise for him from the Opposition party leaders and Governor H R Bhardwaj might have also made his detractors ensure he stepped down as chief minister.

In an interaction with Deccan Herald on Thursday, Gowda, however, said he quit the office without making efforts to retain the post because he wanted to follow the instructions of the party high command.

He was in an introspective mood on the day Shettar assumed office. One of his supporters from Haveri, who was present at Gowda’s residence, was in tears.

Gowda was seen consoling him and assuring him that he was a strong leader and brighter days were in store for him.

Has losing the chief minister’s post bothered him? “No. But when I took charge as the chief minister, I had the confidence of continuing in the post till the BJP government completed its term. But I had to step down a little early.

Trouble began for me after two months in office. In a way, completing 11 months itself is a wonder,” he said. To a question where he went wrong, Gowda said he did not commit any blunder but he was forced to quit.

According to him, the greatest mistake he did was not pandering to the personal agenda of certain legislators, including ministers.

“My work strategy was simple - to strengthen the party and improve the administration. It looks appreciationfrom the Opposition party leaders and the governor too worked against me,” he said with a wry smile.

Gowda said there were forces in the State which control even the high command.
“The party cannot raise its bar till such forces, which indulge in blackmailing and hijacking, are dealt with.

However, I don’t want to discuss internal affairs of the party in public,” he said. When his attention was drawn to the allegations that he resorted to casteism and groupism, Gowda said he had no reason to indulge in such acts.

 “Still, I admit I committed two mistakes. I called a meeting of legislators soon after I handed over the resignation letter to the central leaders, which was attended by 56 MLAs. My intention was to make the high command understand my strength as a leader.

“My second mistake was that I was never a casteist. In fact, I have worked hard to muster support of other communities to strengthen the party.

Still, efforts were made to project me as a casteist and as one encouraging groupism. Some Vokkaligas protested on their own because they felt bad about my resignation,” Gowda said.

When his comments were sought about Yeddyurappa, Gowda said he had respect for him, as Yeddyurappa was the one who made him the chief minister.

“I fought hard and saved the Yeddyurappa government thrice when people tried to dislodge it. Unfortunately, such efforts of mine are not remembered. When I assumed office, I was alone.

But I am happy Shettar has a team with him on the day of the swearing-in ceremony,” he said.  Did he hobnob with the JD(S)? Gowda said he never sought suggestions from the JD(S) to run the government. None could prove such charges, he said.