New Delhi: Support on Nuke Deal - Deve Gowda may Demand Berth in UPA Cabinet
SoM
New Delhi, July 19: In a significant development, former Chief Minister of Karnataka and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy rushed to Delhi this morning to play 'an important role' in the national politics in the wake of the ongoing hectic political activities in the national capital on the eve of UPA Government's trial of strength on July 22.
Sources said that Kumaraswamy left Bangalore in the morning following a call from his father and JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda, who is camping in Delhi, to hold negotiations with Congress leaders over the modalities of extending support to UPA during the trial of strength.
There are strong rumours that Deve Gowda may demand a berth in the Union Cabinet in return to extending support. It is said he may suggest the name of Kumaraswamy for the berth if he succeeds in clinching a deal with UPA.
In this background, Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy are meeting the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for crucial talks at 5 pm today.
The JD(S) has three members in Lok Sabha (H.D. Deve Gowda, M. Shivanna of Chamarajanagar and M.P. Veerendrakumar of Kerala). Veerendrakumar has already announced that he would defy Deve Gowda's whip and vote against the UPA during the trial of strength.
In such a situation, Deve Gowda can promise the support of only two members to UPA instead of three.
The JD(S) sources said that Deve Gowda is of the view that a position of power at the Centre was very important to strengthen the party in Karnataka during the Lok Sabha elections and to counter the growth of BJP. He is of the opinion that his son is an ideal person to hold the position.
Unconfirmed sources claimed that Deve Gowda has already met the Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi and held talks in this regard.
There were rumours earlier that Deve Gowda may protect M. Shivanna (Chamarajanagar) as a probable for the Cabinet berth.
Deve Gowda, however, will disclose his decision on whether to support UPA or not only after meeting the Prime Minister today.
A large number of media persons rushed to the residence of H.D. Deve Gowda here on receiving information about H.D. Kumaraswamy's arrival in the national capital.