Date:27/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/27/stories/2008112761280600.htm

Karnataka

Bangarappa gives a push to plan on common candidates

Special Correspondent

Has talks with Deve Gowda; seeks appointment with Sonia Gandhi

I have taken the initiative on my own: SP leader
‘Bypolls a good chance to bring down Government’

S. Bangarappa

BANGALORE: Former Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party State unit president S. Bangarappa has taken the initiative to mediate between the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Congress to convince them about the need to field common candidates in the byelections to the seven Assembly constituencies to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party.

He told presspersons here on Wednesday that he had on his own taken the initiative in “public interest” to defeat “communal forces” and bring about a positive change in the State’s politics.

He had already spoken to Janata Dal (S) president H. D. Deve Gowda and had sought an appointment with Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Mr. Bangarappa said.

An understanding, if it comes through, would help the efforts to unite all secular forces at the national level ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Mr. Bangarappa said.

Siddaramaiah factor

“Mr. Gowda is opposed to an alliance, may be because there are reports that Siddaramaiah might quit the Congress if it aligns with the Janata Dal (S). But he is ready for consultations in this regard. His son and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy is positive about an alliance as well as talks in this regard,” Mr. Bangarappa said.

The Samajwadi Party leader noted that he had spoken to Congress leaders R.V. Deshpande and D. K. Shivakumar and they had not opposed an alliance, he said.

Accusing the BJP Government of inconveniencing people, Mr. Bangarappa said the byelections were an opportunity for the Opposition to bring about the downfall of the BJP Government.

“If the BJP fails to do well in the byelections, I am sure the Government will not survive, as the independents are most likely to ditch the BJP. Already independent member Varthur Prakash, who is supporting the Government, has given an indication of the things to come,” the former Chief Minister remarked.

People of the State would think that the Congress and the Janata Dal (S) committed a blunder if they failed to forge an alliance to take on the BJP in the bypolls.

The Samajwadi Party would support the Congress and the Janata Dal (S) candidates, he added

Charging Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa with failure to properly tackle the financial situation in the State, Mr. Bangarappa remarked: “The post of Chief Minister is not like that of a municipal member. It requires vision and proper perspective.” “I do not know how his Government will manage the impact of global recession that is likely to reduce the State’s revenues by about Rs. 5,000 crore.”

He said some seers of small Veerashaiva maths were angry with Mr. Yeddyurappa, who also belongs to their community. Their complaint was that Mr. Yeddyurappa was providing financial support only to the bigger maths.