Interview

With the Election Commission declaring the dates of the Lok Sabha elections, political parties have started preparing for the campaigning in full fervour.
In Karnataka, all the three major political parties are busy selecting candidates for the polls. But JD(S) supremo and former Prime Minster HD Deve Gowda’s comment on March 12, when he said that a third front will be launched at Tumkur, created a lot of flutter.  This sudden development forced the Congress-led UPA and BJP-led NDA to change their election strategies, especially when it comes to the formation of new alliances. Srikanth Hunasavadi spoke to the man in news, HD Devegowda himself, about the  formation of the third front.

What is the purpose of the third front?

The nation is experiencing a lot of problems but the present UPA government and past NDA government have failed completely in addressing these issues faced by the country. It’s high time that people’s problems be discussed and addressed. So many of the leaders felt it appropriate to form a third front which will look into matters concerning the citizens. After the launch of the third front, we will decide its manifesto and election agenda.

Which parties are joining the third front?

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), Communist Party of India (CPI), Forward Bloc, Telangana Rashtriya Samiti (TRS), Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Janata Dal (Secular) will be joining the third front.
Leaders of all the parties will participate in the third front launch programme on March 12.

Why has Karnataka been selected for the launch of the third front?

With their victory in Karnataka, it is the first time that a BJP government has come to power in South India. But nine months after they came to the helm of affairs, the law and order situation has collapsed completely.
In my entire political career, I have not come across a government as bad as the current BJP government in the state.
What will be your focus in the Lok Sabha elections — people’s issues or caste politics?
Our campaigning will only seek to find solutions to the issues being faced by the people everyday. We do not believe in caste politics, those days are over.
There are several issues, but we will chiefly focus on the failures of the UPA and NDA governments. We will also focus on issues like foreign policy and terrorism among others.

In Karnataka, will the JD(S) fight on its own or make an alliance with other parties?

We will fight on our own strength. We will not forge any form of understanding with the Congress, but we will go in for seat-sharing within the third front. In Karnataka, the JD(S) has its own history of several years. People have much confidence in the party and it will be reflected in the coming polls.

Srikanth Hunasavad/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication