Despite his age and health issues, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda is still in the fray, campaigning for the Janata Dal (Secular), which he founded in 1999. Illustration: JA Premkumar
non-politician former prime minister HD Deve Gowda A veteran of many epic political battles during his six decades in electoral politics. Despite his age and health issues, he is still in the electoral field, campaigning for the Janata Dal (Secular), which he founded in 1999. Known for his incisive analysis of the political climate in the state, Mr Gowda has been actively involved in troubleshooting for the party, which is now led by his son and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy. he spoke Hindu on the coming karnataka assembly elections and possible scenarios ahead of the 2024 parliamentary election.
Excerpts from the interview:
Is JD(S) expected to emerge as kingmaker again in this election?
Why kingmaker? We want to be king. There will be no fractured mandate and there is no point in talking about an alliance. My honest assessment is that we will come to power with a working majority.
What is your reaction to the allegations of JD(S) having political understanding with both BJP and Congress?
There is no question of tacit understanding with BJP or Congress. We will personally go to all the constituencies with our programs and speak about the programs.
How do you rate the current BJP government and what will be JD(S)’s pitch for the assembly elections?
This is the worst government. There is an anti-incumbency wave and there are allegations of corruption. HD Kumaraswamy has already implemented a loan waiver scheme of ₹25,000 and has successfully rehabilitated people who lost their homes in Kodagu. Through the Pancharatna Yatra, Shri Kumaraswamy has announced new programmes. There is a belief in the minds of the people that he will stick to his promises and implement them. Trust is more important than promises and people trust them. On the other hand, what has BJP or Congress done that is trustworthy?
Can JD(S)’s poll promises be implemented?
Mr. Kumaraswamy has already shown what is possible and has shown maturity in delivering on promises. The loan waiver was implemented despite Congress insisting on continuation of the so-called Bhagya schemes and earlier loan waivers started by former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
What is your take on reservation for Muslims and Lingayat issue?
Reservation will be an election issue and voting will be done on the same lines. We have said that Muslim reservation is 4% [Other Backward Class] OBC quota will be restored. The Muslims have full faith in me. I do not want to speak or react on the Lingayat issue till the parliamentary elections are over.
Do you think the Karnataka election results will set a trend for an anti-BJP alliance for the 2024 general elections?
Karnataka has only 28 parliamentary seats and we should not think that this is the whole case. We can only make a small opinion on the trend after the results. Efforts are being made for alliance. Because of my health, I am not doing anything. But if others do, I will cooperate. I have no objection to the anti-BJP alliance.
Is a regional party important for Karnataka?
Definitely. Karnataka has been betrayed by both the national parties, and the state is the worst sufferer. The central government did not give a single rupee on the Cauvery issue… be it Vajpayee or Modi or Manmohan Singh. When I raised the Cauvery issue in the Lok Sabha, no other party in Karnataka raised its voice. At that time BJP was expecting an alliance with AIADMK. so they [Tamil Nadu] All projects approved and received central assistance. National parties are unable to raise their heads in Tamil Nadu. When I was prime minister, I took decisions on merit, not on political considerations.
Are election statements increasingly being reduced to personal attacks?
Election campaign has lost its way these days. Personal attacks and unnecessary statements do no one any good nor do they serve any political purpose.