Modi changed names of old schemes, says Gowda

Criticising the Modi-led government in the Centre, JD(S) Supremo and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda stated that the BJP-led government has only changed the names of old schemes and nothing else in the last five years.

BJP has added the term 'Pradhan Mantri' to all the schemes. "But I had not done it during my tenure as prime minister."

He was speaking at JD(S) elected representatives, leaders and workers meeting at Lagan convention hall in the city on Sunday.

Addressing the gathering, he claimed that he headed the 13 parties government in the Centre without paving the way for any communal clash.

It was purely coalition government unlike the present government in the Centre. But there was no clash between Muslims and Hindus and terror attacks. "I don't make personal attacks. But I am just sharing the facts with you."

Referring to the Godhra train burning incident in Gujarat, he said ''that many Muslims were killed, Churches and bible were burnt. But I don't make any provocative statement. I had toured Gujarat for three days in 2002. I had asked SP and deputy commissioner why they did not stop the violence. They had told that there was no instructions from higher-ups. Do we need such governance again in the country?''

Recalling the past, he said he had maintained a good rapport with neighbouring countries during his tenure as prime minister. He was the first prime minister to visit violence-hit Kashmir after a gap of ten years.

The officials of defence forces cautioned that there could be a threat to his life if he visited Kashmir. However, I had visited the valley state and had interacted with the people.

They shared that tourism must be promoted as it has been the source of livelihood for them.

Gowda also promised that he would strive for the victory of Madhu Bangarpapa in the Lok Sabha election to Shivamogga constituency as he is doing it for his grandsons in Hassan and Mandya.

Speaking to media persons, here on Sunday, he said "Madhu is like my son. So I would leave no stone unturned for his victory."

He said major leaders of Congress party including DK Shivakumar would campaign in favour of Madhu in the constituency.

Referring to confusion over Uttara Kannada Lok Sabha constituency, he said senior Congress leader R V Deshpande has spoken to him. But nothing has been finalised yet.