BENGALURU: It was a meeting between JD(S) national general secretary Danish Ali and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad that laid the foundation for the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka.
In an interview with TNIE, Ali, the face of JD(S) in Delhi, spoke about why his party picked Congress over BJP and why he believes that the presence of a galaxy of non-BJP political leaders at H D Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony was the beginning of a change in the country. Excerpts:
Why did the JD(S) choose to go with the Congress and not the BJP?
Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda never wanted to have an understanding with the BJP. The media was painting a picture that we have an understanding. It was a perception created by people who wanted to destroy the JD(S). When PM Modi praised Gowda during campaign, he was only trying to exploit the sentiments of Kannadigas. We can’t think of being a part of the authoritarian rule in this country. The coalition was first worked out by Ghulam Nabi Azad and me, after which senior leaders of both parties came into the picture.
Is this alliance a matter of survival for the JD(S)?
This alliance is not a matter of survival of the JD(S) but for the survival of democracy in this country. We have come together to save democracy in the country.
Do ideologies of JD(S) and Congress match for this coalition to work?
JD(S)’s ideologies are closer to that of the Congress. This coalition will work and complete its entire term.
What happens to the ‘non-BJP, non-Congress third front’ now?
The situation in the country is such that you can’t think of having an alternative government at the Centre without the Congress. If somebody thinks that we can have a front without the Congress, it is a mere dream. The Congress has to be part and parcel of opposition unity.
Will the Congress then automatically lead such a front?
Such a question doesn’t arise. Parliament elections will take place and then the opposition parties will sit together and decide the leader of Lok Sabha. Ultimately, the Congress is the largest party and they have the first claim.
Gowda had shown interest in the third front before this post-poll alliance. What has changed?
May 23, the day Kumaraswamy took oath, created political history. This was the first time Rahul and Sonia Gandhi shared a stage publicly other than at Congress events. This was the first time Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav shared a stage. Mamata Banerjee and Sitaram Yechury too were there though their parties were engaged in a fierce battle in West Bengal panchayat polls. Kerala CM Vijayan, who never goes to any events, came here and so did Chandrababu Naidu. Do not underestimate what happened on May 23. The effects of it were seen in the recent bypolls.
Should the BJP then be credited for bringing opposition parties together?
The defeated always look for victories in their losses and that is exactly what the BJP is trying to do -- build a narrative that it is Modi v/s everybody. He made tall promises to everyone including farmers but what has happened? People are not fools.
Given his history with the JD(S), is Siddaramaiah acceptable to you as chief of the coordination committee?
Siddaramaiah is an experienced leader and we will make use of his experience. We are happy that he is part of the coordination committee. He was part of JD(S) and grew up in the same drawing room as Kumaraswamy under the leadership of Gowda. It is normal to have a difference of opinion in politics but we have come together for a common cause, a common goal.
Will the coordination committee become a parallel power centre?
There is no question of a parallel power centre because the committee also consists of Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. It will only act as an advisory committee. The committee will decide on appointments to boards and corporations. We hope to hold the first committee meeting before June 15. We will chalk out a common minimum programme soon.
How many ministers are taking oath on Wednesday?
Both coalition parties have agreed to not have a full-fledged expansion but will keep some berths vacant.
Is the JD(S) willing to trade portfolios, especially Energy ministry?
If such a proposal is placed, we are open to it. We are running a coalition government where ‘give and take’ is the norm.
How did the JD(S) go about sorting differences over ministries?
There is no tussle in the JD(S) for ministerial berths or portfolios. The whole party is united and MLAs have authorised Gowda and Kumaraswamy to decide. Until full expansion of cabinet, there are chances that some ministers may get additional portfolios.
What is the JD(S)’ arrangement with the Congress for 2019?
We are going to contest together. We will be together while forming the government at the Centre and the coordination committee will decide on modalities -- the seat-sharing, region-wise distribution etc. We are in an alliance and we will fight together, be it general elections or bypolls.