Daijiworld Media Network—Belthangady (EP)
Belthangady, Jul 3: “Such an era has come after 30 years. In fact, people have blessed the BJP. They can pass the budget without any fear of opposition pressure. Though there are many problems, BJP can retain the people’s faith if they face challenges and govern,” said HD Deve Gowda, former Prime Minister.
He was answering the questions of reporters at Shantivana Nature Treatment Hospital in Dharmasthala on Thursday July 3.
“We cannot respond to the budget now. Let us wait and see what issues will be discussed. It is difficult to measure the performance of the government within a month. BJP has invited leaders of SAARC countries to the oath-taking ceremony. Such an attempt has occurred after
30 years. There may be better days ahead. Let us wait and see,” he said.
When asked about the Congress not been recognized as opposition, he said that it is left to the Speaker and he will not question his limitations. When asked about the failure of the JD(S) in the election, he said that the JD(S) has not joined any other political party and fought on its own. “Ours is a regional party. National parties have also not been able to raise their head. As the people wanted a stable government, such a result has come about. It was a blow to all political
parties. The party looked after by Karunanidhi for 40 years could not get even one seat. The results cannot be compared. The media had also supported Modi in bringing about a stable government,” he said.
When asked about his claim that he will turn into a ‘Sanyasi’ if Modi becomes the Prime Minister, he said that it is a closed chapter. “I had tried to unite the party with meetings in the state. There were attempts for a third front for seven to eight months. I had asked not to compare the state to Gujarat. Modi has asked us to leave those things. He said that he is prepared to listen to advice as a former Prime Minister,” added Gowda. He said that they had decided to work towards development of the country through mutual co-operation.
Expectations from Railway Budget:
“Seventeen years have passed after the approval of Hassan-Bangalore railway line. The work on Bangalore-Mysore two-lane is going on slowly. I hope that there may be priority for Karnataka,” added Gowda.
Uniting the Party:
Gowda said that his health has improved and he will be joining Kumaraswamy and other leaders in going around the state in places including Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chickmagalur, Shimoga, and Coorg in order to unite the party and make it grow.
When asked about the Karnataka government, he said that it is not worth speaking about. About Netravati curve, he said, “It is too early to speak about it. Jayalalitha also is asking for Netravati water.”
Gowda said that Shantivana Nature Cure is the best and he has recovered from age-related ailments.
JD(S) district president Mohammed Kunhi, state women’s unit president Sheela Nayak, district office-bearers Sindhoo Devi, Shantivana Trust secretary B Seetharama Tholpadithaya, and chief medical official Dr Prashanth Shetty were present.