ENS

Bangalore, Jul 26: In all probability, Bangalore will play another role in the formation of a new political force in the country.

The yet-to-be-born third front, comprising the BSP, Left, JD(S) and several other regional parties, is likely to have its first public meeting in Bangalore by the end of August.

In the past, Bangalore has seen anti-Congress and anti-BJP forces, like the Janata Party, Janata Dal, United Front and the National Front, being formed after such meetings.

On whether Bangalore will host another such event, former prime minister and JD(S) president H D Deve Gowda said that a decision regarding the same will be taken soon, as TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu too is keen on hosting the first meeting in Hyderabad.

In the meantime, Gowda, speaking to reporters, said that a three-member committee has been set up to coin a name and list the programmes to be launched by the nascent front.

He said that several other leaders and parties are expected to join them in the days to come, including those who had identified with the UNPA. He said that a decision to join hands with the Left and the BSP was taken following Congress’s disinterest and procrastination with respect to discussing issues related to the State.

“All that they cared about was getting votes,” he said. Gowda also dismissed MP Shivanna’s statement that the Congress had offered the JD(S) a ministerial berth.

“A lukewarm response from the Congress and the return of our Kerala JD(S) unit were the reasons for voting against the Government,” he said. Evading the question of Mayawati being promoted as the third front’s Prime Ministerial candidate, he said the matter has to be discussed.