First list of candidates to be released on Feb 17

Former prime minister and MP H D Deve Gowda has said that the first list of party candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections will be released on February 17.

Addressing reporters here on Wednesday, Gowda said that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati and several other leaders will participate in the programme to be held in Bengaluru on February 17. JD(S) State president H D Kumaraswamy will release the list of around 100 candidates on the occasion, he said.

"The JD(S) has already entered into a pact with Mayawati of BSP. Similarly, the party is also thinking of an electoral alliance with the Left Front parties in the state. A discussion will be held soon in this regard and a few seats would be spared for them," he said.

"My aim is to strengthen the party so that it attains power in the state. I will not criticise other party leaders. But, BJP and Congress party leaders are indulging in mudslinging against each other," he criticised.

Commenting on AICC president Rahul Gandhi visiting temples during his tour to the state, Gowda said, it is not right to criticise the leaders visiting temples. "It is their faith," he said.

"Once BJP leader Advani had visited Ajmer Dargah with flowers. Why should the BJP unnecessarily criticise Rahul Gandhi," he questioned.