Kumaraswamy to visit Delhi on Sept 21 to meet BJP leadership; alliance talks on agenda
Ramanagara (KTK) (PTI): JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said he will be travelling to New Delhi on September 21 to meet BJP central leadership to discuss the possible alliance between both parties in Karnataka for 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Dismissing media reports on seat sharing talks between JDS and BJP as mere speculations, he said so far no parleys have taken place in this regard.
The former CM also underscored the need for strong opposition against the Congress government that has come to power in the state and said discussions will be directed at this.
"I'm going to Delhi in the morning. I will be meeting the central government's (BJP) high command tomorrow," Kumaraswamy told reporters in the morning.
Ruling out the possibility of him contesting in the Lok Sabha polls, he said people of Channapatna constituency have voted for him and that he would remain there for the people.
Later in the day, speaking to media persons, Kumaraswamy said there is a meeting tomorrow.
"after discussions in the meeting, its outcome will be known. All media reports are mere speculation. There has been no discussion regarding seat sharing or other things."
Talks on alliance between both parties have been in the headlines ever since veteran BJP leader B S Yediyurappa, who is also the party's parliamentary board member, had earlier this month said his party will have an understanding with JD(S) for the Parliament elections, and that the regional party will contest in four LS seats in Karnataka, which has a total of 28 constituencies.
However, Yediyurappa subsequently said a final decision has not been taken as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, who are busy with other responsibilities, may discuss and decide on the issue in a few days.
Kumaraswamy too on his part had maintained that discussions on BJP and JD(S) contesting the Lok Sabha polls together are still in the initial phase.
Responding to a question on secular stand of JD(S) which is trying to forge an alliance with the BJP, Kumaraswamy said his party respects all communities.
"If there are talks on an alliance, the subject of alliance is different from the stand of the party, on which there will be no compromise. It is the responsibility of our party to respect all communities," he said.
Noting that no party has contributed to the welfare of the Muslim community compared to JD(S), the former CM said, "but how they (community) have treated this party? I can also question that right?"
"There is no compromise in providing an atmosphere which ensures welfare of every household in the state, without any discrimination. I don't want to get into a discussion with any party on our ideology... I know Congress' ideology, they have done politics for last 50 years by forging alliance with parties that were with BJP. Why question only JD(S)?" he asked.
The BJP had swept the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka by winning 25 seats, while an independent (Sumalatha Ambareesh from Mandya) backed by it won in one seat. The Congress and JD(S) won one seat each.
In the elections to the 224-member Assembly held in May this year, the Congress bagged 135 seats, while the BJP secured 66 and the JD(S) 19.
Following the Assembly poll results, there were reports that JD(S) would enter into an alliance with the BJP to fight the Lok Sabha polls. It was also said that the JD(S) leaders had met BJP central leadership in Delhi in this regard.
However, subsequently JD(S) supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, had indicated that the party will contest Lok Sabha polls alone.
Following the Assembly poll debacle, BJP, wary of its performance in the Lok Sabha elections, seems to be open for an alliance with JD(S), aimed at regaining maximum number of seats, sources from both parties said.
The saffron party hopes the votes of JD(S) may get transferred to it, especially in the old Mysuru region where the regional party has significant presence.
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Cabinet reshuffle is CM's prerogative in consultation with Cong high command: G Parameshwara
Bengaluru(PTI): Amid speculation that a cabinet reshuffle was on the cards, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday said it is the prerogative of the Chief Minister and he would take a decision in consultation with the state Congress President and the high command.
Deputy CM and state Congress chief D K Shivakumar's statement on Tuesday indicating the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle in the days ahead, noting that few Ministers have been given a "message" about their term, has further fueled the speculations about the rejig.
"I don't know about it. Cabinet reshuffle is the Chief Minister's prerogative. He will consult the Pradesh Congress Committee President and go about it, this has been the practice. I don't know what decisions they make. It has to be done in consultation with the high command," Parameshwara told reporters.
To a question on Shivakumar's statement, he said, "He (Shivakumar) is the party state President, I don't know what messages he has sent (to some Ministers)."
Speculations are rife about a cabinet reshuffle and evaluation of the performance of the Ministers ever since the Lok Sabha poll results. There has also been demand from a section of MLAs, who are Ministerial aspirants, to be inducted into the cabinet. Some have openly expressed their wish to become Ministers.
To a question on a seer's comments that the voting rights of Muslims should be revoked, the Home Minister said, making remarks contrary to the Constitution is not right, and no one should speak or go against it.
"Probably he (seer) has not properly seen the principles of the Constitution and the rights and opportunities provided in it for every community and religion. It is clear in the Constitution," he said.
Asked about Congress MLA H R Gaviyappa publicly asking the CM to drop at least two of the five ‘guarantee’ schemes to provide money for development works, the state Home Minister said, "Any legislator asking for funds to his constituency is not wrong, so Gaviyappa is not wrong in asking for funds for his constituency."
"But unfortunately he has expressed his personal opinion regarding the guarantee schemes. That has been taken by the party and the government. We had promised the people of the state that we will full the promises, so we are implementing them. We cannot go back on that," he added.
Deputy CM Shivakumar had on Tuesday said he would issue a showcause notice to Gaviyappa and warned party leaders against making such statements regarding guarantee schemes.
Responding to a question on an Assamese girl found murdered at a serviced apartment in east Bengaluru, Parameshwra said such incidents in a way bring bad name to the city.
"It (alleged murder) is on very personal grounds. Both of them (suspect and victim) knew each other and were in love. They had stayed in a hotel room and he has stabbed her there. Both of them are outsiders. She is from Assam and he is from Kerala. Police keep watch on such things, but when such incidents occur, it in a way brings a bad name to the city," he said.
Asked about the suicide of a woman, who is a suspect in the alleged scam in Karnataka Bhovi Development Corporation, the Minister said investigation is on, can't say anything further until the probe is over.
On the protest by prisoners against the jail authorities at Kalaburagi central prison, alleging lack of facilities there, Parameshwara said he will speak to DG (Director General) Prisons about it.
"Already we have reviewed all the jails. If there are any necessities there it will be fulfilled. I will give instructions to the DG," he said.
