Former Chief Minister and JD(S) president HD Kumaraswamy said people vote for development not for region or caste. In an interview with Rajashekara S, he exudes confidence of forming the next government.
■ How is the situation for the JD(S)?
Whatever the poll surveys say, we are confident of people supporting the party to form the government.
■ But your geographical presence is limited...
It is a propaganda by the Congress and the BJP. I have extensively travelled in North Karnataka and the response has been tremendous. I am not exaggerating in saying that we will get more number of seats from northern region than from Old Mysore region. I am confident that the people will not confine us to one particular region.
■ Critics say JD(S) is a family enterprise...
This is a sustained campaign by the opposition parties. Those who criticise us as father-son party have no moral right to comment. The Congress’ list is delayed over getting tickets to the kith and kin of its leaders. It is true for the BJP also. Moreover, we all have been elected directly by the people and never made a backdoor entry.
■ Your manifesto promises to reconstitute the Cauvery Tribunal. How can you do it, it’s a Central subject?
This is a reflection of our commitment to the people. If people back us in the Assembly polls and in the Lok Sabha, we will gain considerable strength to bargain for the welfare of the state like parties in Tamil Nadu. We will fight the case in court.
■ What are the issues on which you are votes?
Tackling drought, unemployment, farmers’ plight, mass migration, malnutrition, social security pensions, housing, irrigation are key issues. Instead of wasting time criticising other parties, I am focusing on development works that we want to start after coming to power.
■ What will be the composition of the new Assembly?
Though several leaders of other parties have been publicly stating that they will form the government on their own, in private, they confess that none will get a majority. They say we should plan for a coalition government. But I am confident that we will get a majority.
■ What will happen in case of a split verdict?
We will sit in the opposition. Opposition leaders talk light about JD(S). They say it is an adjustment party without any ideology. But they are looking at this ‘adjustment party’ in case of hung Assembly.
■ You are accused of being responsible for the BJP’s growth..
It is a false propaganda by the Congress. I went with the BJP as the Congress was trying to backstab us by weakening our party. Again, in 2008, when the BJP was short of numbers, it was the Congress leaders who sent five rebels, who had won as independents, to allow BJP to form the government.
On the other hand, the JD(S) gave tough fight to the BJP in the bypolls necessitated by Operation Lotus.