Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)
Bangalore, Apr 18: Ex-Premier and JD (S) national president H D Deve Gowda, in a virtual volte face, distanced himself from the controversy surrounding the withdrawal of the party candidate from the fray in Davangere constituency, by announcing that he had not given prior permission to the candidate concerned, to withdraw in favour of the Congress Party candidate.
Refuting the statement made by Davangere district JD (S) president H S Shivashankar that the candidate was withdrawing to ensure that secular votes do not get divided to the advantage of the BJP, Deve Gowda clarified that the developments in Davangere have come to his notice. "We will take action against the district unit of the party. I do not know what compelled the party candidate to suddenly retire from the field, whether it was caste-based politics, money power or something else. As far as the party is concerned, the JD (S) is in contention at Davangere," he stressed.
Deve Gowda also explained that the withdrawal of nominations by the JD (S) candidates from Bagalkot and Dharwad Lok Sabha constituencies had also been done without obtaining his concurrence. The party will take steps against the concerned, by dissolving the district units concerned and appointing leaders who are committed to the party, he divulged.
"The party had taken a decision not to field candidates in Shimoga, Bellary and Chikkodi constituencies for strengthening the hands of secular parties. We will continue to oppose both the BJP and the Congress in all other constituencies," he reiterated. “In Dakshina Kannada and Udupi-Chikmagalur constituencies, the party is supporting the CPI (M) and CPI candidates respectively, and our workers have been given strict instructions to work for the victory of these candidates as it is our duty to do so,” he clarified.
About a question on the probable prime ministerial candidate from the third front in case it is able to muster a majority, he said he is not an aspirant for the post and that one among the other capable candidates might get the post.
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