I want to move to national politics: B S Yeddyurappa

Bangalore, Jul 21: Former chief minister and KarnatakaJanata Party (KJP) president BS Yeddyurappa is networking with all parties for a pre-poll alliance. He ruled out rejoining the BJP or merging the KJP with it and has set his sights high of having a share in the national pie.

What's happening on the move to rejoin the BJP which you quit as the atmosphere had become 'suffocating'?

I'll wait till August-end as 80% of KJP's office-bearers at a meeting recently vehemently opposed the party's merger with any party. They want the KJP to retain its identity. Besides, at the national level, the Congress, BJP and the proposed Third Front are in a state of confusion. My feeling is that after the Food Security Bill is passed in the Lok Sabha, on some pretext or the other, they will open up and there'll be clarity.

But what's your stand?

BJP leaders like HN Ananth Kumar or KS Eshwarappa or Jagadish Shettar are not sincere when it comes to rejoining. I had to leave the BJP because of these people's machinations to oust me. Even after the BJP lost the deposit in 110 assembly constituencies, they haven't realized the reality and their attitude remains the same. In such circumstances, my rejoining or merging the KJP doesn't arise.

You seem to be eager to reconnect with the BJP. Your meeting former PM H D Deve Gowda is seen as a pressure tactic...

There's no truth in that. When I spoke in the legislative assembly of the KJP, BJP, JD(S) and BSR (Congress) uniting to take on the Congress, it was just a suggestion. Yes, I wished Gowda on his birthday. I keep in touch with his children on various issues, but there are no pressure tactics.

What if the BJP puts a condition that Yeddyurappa is fine but not his confidantes?

They cannot place conditions. I'm not under anybody's obligation. I'm my own leader and take my own decisions. That question will not arise as I won't even dream of rejoining the BJP.

How are you planning the seat-sharing alliance?

I'll go to New Delhi in August to meet leaders of all parties.

Will you to talk to the Congress?

I'm not allergic to any party.

What is your ambition?

I want to play an important role in national politics. I have done my duty in Karnataka in all posts -- from opposition leader to CM.

Will you contest the Lok Sabha polls?

I haven't decided yet. I have to carve out a niche for myself. That doesn't mean I'll forget Karnataka. Apart from strengthening the KJP, I'll play a major role in national politics. I'm thinking of taking the lead to build the Third Front.

Is Narendra Modi Prime Minister material?

For present-day politics, Modi has the qualities to become the PM. Nobody can question that. I respect him.

By exploring seat alliances with your foes, you seem to have forgiven them?

Nobody is untouchable. I have to forget what others did to me. I don't want to settle scores with anyone. That's why I've withdrawn my defamation suit filed against HD Kumaraswamy. I have pardoned everyone. I want to build the KJP as a fresh person.

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PM Modi vows to strengthen India-Maldives ties, inks currency swap deal with President Muizzu

News Network

October 7,2024

New Delhi: Seeking to strengthen bilateral ties, India and the Maldives on Monday inked a currency swap agreement to the tune of $400 million, a move that would help the archipelago nation overcome foreign exchange reserve issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu also launched Rupay card in the Maldives, inaugurated the new runway at the Hanimadhoo International airport and agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations that had hit a rocky patch last year.

Muizzu, who is on a four-day state visit, held talks with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House here.

After the talks, India also handed over 700 social housing units to the Maldives built under the EXIM Bank’s buyer’s credit facilities.

"Today, we have inaugurated the redeveloped Hanimaadhoo Airport. Now, the Greater Male Connectivity Project will also be expedited. We will also support the development of a new commercial port in Thilafushi," Modi told reporters here with Muizzu by his side.

Modi said India and Maldives have decided to initiate discussion on the Free Trade Agreement to further strengthen economic ties.

The prime minister described Maldives as a "close friend" which had an important position in India's neighbourhood policy and SAGAR vision.

"India has always fulfilled the responsibilities of a neighbour. Today, we have taken up the vision of a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership to give our mutual cooperation a strategic direction," Modi said.

Earlier, Muizzu was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan by President Droupadi Murmu. Prime Minister Modi was also present on the occasion.

Muizzu was given a tri-services guard of honour before he drove down the Rajghat to offer his respects at the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November.

Muizzu won the presidential election last year on the 'India out' campaign and asked New Delhi to withdraw its military personnel posted in the archipelago nation by May this year.

The bilateral ties also hit a rocky patch when Maldivian ministers were critical of Modi. However, Muizzu has since toned down his anti-India stance and even sacked ministers who were critical of the Indian prime minister.

As the Maldives was grappling with a serious economic downturn, India has decided to extend vital budgetary support to the Maldives government with the rollover of a $50 million Treasury Bill for another year.

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