'JD(S) candidates list to be released by Feb end'

JD(S) supremo and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda said that the JD(S) will fight against both the BJP and the Congress.

Speaking to reporters here on Friday, he said: "the BJP has been propagating hardcore Hindutva while the Congress has developed soft corner towards Hindutva."

He said, "the Congress has changed its policy now. AICC president Rahul Gandhi has directed the leaders not to appease minorities alone. Instead, to look for other communities as well. During the Gujarat election, Rahul Gandhi has visited 32 places of worship. Even in Amethi, he has visited a temple."

The law and order situation in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada has worsened. Three to four murders have taken place on the coast. The BJP and the Congress should own responsibility for the murders. The Congress is a "curse" while the BJP is a "cancer," he said while quoting former CM J H Patil.

"I have been believing in Gods and have been visiting Sringeri Temple for the last 60 years. I have not been visiting temples for show off. I have visited Ajmer Dargah thrice," he said.

Stating that leaders in the JD(S) will not be sidelined, Deve Gowda said that an internal committee will decide on the candidates. The candidates are not selected on the basis of caste. If there is any confusion in a constituency, then it will be sorted out. The candidates' list will be released by February end, he added.

On fielding Anitha Kumaraswamy, he said "there was no ticket aspirant from Channapattana constituency. I had asked the leaders to come forward. None have shown interest. Hence, fielding Anitha Kumaraswamy is inevitable."

Gowda said, "we have already complained to the assembly speaker on two JD(S) MLAs joining the BJP without tendering resignation."