Janata Dal (Secular) supremo and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda has said that it would be good that all secular regional parties, including the Congress, come together in the larger interest of the country.
Talking to reporters in Bengaluru on Saturday, he said the Congress has also become like a regional party with a scattered presence here and there. “But that is for the leaders of the parties to decide,” Mr. Gowda said, adding that his attempt to bring everyone on one platform during the swearing-in ceremony of his son HD Kumaraswamy in 2018 had gone in vain.
Stating that his focus and challenge is now only to “ensure the survival” of his party, Mr. Gowda held a brainstorming session on March 20 with party workers and leaders to formulate an action plan to strengthen the regional party. declare. Thereafter, he will travel to two districts every month till the 2023 elections.
“The only agenda before me is to save and nurture my regional party in the current political scenario,” he said. “It is not easy to protect the interests of a regional party. We will work with those who are committed to the survival of the party.”
Speaking on the election results in five states, Mr Gowda praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his commitment to expand the BJP across the country, and said he expected similar qualities in JD(S) leaders. .
He dismissed speculation of a possible settlement between the ruling BJP and the JD(S), which are being seen as increasingly cohabiting with each other in recent times. The JD(S) will not forge a pre-poll alliance with anyone and will fight both the national parties in the 2023 elections, Mr. Gowda said.
Responding to a question on speculations of early elections, Mr. Gowda said that it is not easy to go ahead with the assembly elections in the state, as the politics of Karnataka is different. However, he said his party would be ready if the situation arises.