Gowda exudes confidence of JD(S) coming back to power

Former prime minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda, on Thursday, exuded confidence that the party will come to power in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Addressing media here, Gowda said, "I am not talking out of arrogance or ego. I have suffered a lot of pain in my long political career. My goal is not to make Kumaraswamy the chief minister, but, to strengthen the regional party in the state," he said.

"Whether the party wins or loses, it will field candidates at all the constituencies. I have shown political affiliation with Mayawati of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), but not aware of her intention. We had not fielded party candidate during the Nanjangud and Gundlupet constituencies, allowing Congress to win. There is no information about the Congress seeking the support of JD(S), so far," he said.

Speaking about a pre-poll pact with Asaduddin Owaisi of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Gowda said that the party has not made any decision in this regard.

Gowda opposed the recent 'commission' statements made by the BJP and the Congress leaders and said this should not have been taken so far.

Cauvery

Speaking about Cauvery River Water Management Board, Gowda said that they will continue to fight against constituting the Board in the Lok Sabha.

"I have been fighting for this since 1964 and will continue to fight. I have not lost hope in Krishna-Cauvery issue. I have sought appointment from Union Water Irrigation Minister to hold discussions," he explained.

Meeting

After H D Kumaraswamy's state tour, four meetings will be held with the leaders, followed by party conventions. "BJP had ruled the state aligning with Kumaraswamy. Later, they levelled allegations of Rs 160 crore irregularities against Kumaraswamy. Both the Congress and the BJP have betrayed JD(S). I have not back-stabbed anybody so far and I have told this to Sonia Gandhi also," he said.