Bengaluru, Jan 4: In a statement that may create discord between Congress and JD(S) ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has urged his party workers and leaders to work hard so that the party wins “12 to 14 seats” in the general elections.
This appeal gains significance amid recent speculation on whether or not the JD(S) and the Congress would fight the Lok Sabha elections together.
He said, “Send 12 to 14 MPs to Parliament with him (former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda). Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the other party [the Congress] will then come to his doorstep or for that matter to Karnataka [to seek support].” In 1996, he pointed out, the party had 16 MPs and Mr. Gowda became the Prime Minister.
“Vijayapura, Raichur, and Bidar offer good prospects. Organise the party and hold hall meetings. I will also come to such meetings,” the Chief Minister said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gowda said that party’s State president A.H. Vishwanath would not resign from his post.
Mr. Gowda acknowledged that he had faltered in party activities. “From tomorrow I will be in the office for two days to listen to the cadre. Ministers and legislators also have responsibility towards the party,” he said. Mr. Gowda also announced that the former legislator Y.S.V. Datta would be the head of the party’s campaign committee.
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