The Hindu : Janata Party has no links with Cong., says Mallya

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 05, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

Janata Party has no links with Cong., says Mallya

By Our Special Correspondent

Bangalore July 4. The Working President of the Janata Party, Vijay Mallya, has hit out at the former Prime Minister and President of the Janata Dal (Secular), H.D. Deve Gowda, and said that instead of speaking about his accomplishments at the Centre and as Chief Minister of Karnataka, he was making outrageous statements.

Referring to the charge levelled by Mr. Deve Gowda that he had a secret pact with the Chief Minister, S.M. Krishna, and the former Chief Minister, Ramakrishna Hegde, Mr. Mallya said here today that the Janata Party was equidistant from the Congress and the BJP, and it had no alliance or understanding with any political party.

He said the statements of Mr. Deve Gowda and the State unit President of the JD(S), Siddaramaiah, were not only false but a reflection of the panic that had set in in the JD(S) following the "overwhelming response" the Janata Party had received in recent weeks. Mr. Mallya recently toured the Hyderabad Karnataka districts and Kerala, and is scheduled to visit Bijapur and Gadag districts. On the reaction of the JD(S) to the "blessings" he received from Mr. Hegde, he said that it was an indication of the continuing popularity of Mr. Hegde in the State.

Several leaders, including the former Prime Minister, had been suggesting that the Janata Party was misusing the name of Mr. Hegde.

They had been demanding a clarification from Mr. Hegde on whether he supported the Janata Party, and it was obvious that they gave great value to Mr. Hegde's blessings.

"On his part, Mr. Hegde has issued a press statement from London, which he has authenticated and reconfirmed," Mr. Mallya added.

He said Mr. Hegde's blessings for the Janata Party were being raised time and again as part of a continuing attempt to cause confusion in the minds of the public as neither the JD(S) nor the All-India Progressive Janata Dal (AIPJD) had any firm programme to offer to the people of the State. "Where then is the need for a further clarification on Mr. Hegde's association with me?'' he asked.

To the charge against him that he was attempting to split the Janata Parivar, Mr. Mallya said: "This is surprising. More so, since the Janata Party is the party started by late Jayaprakash Narayan, which I am revitalising on a national scale. The JD(S), the JD(U), and the AIPJD are the breakaway factions of the original Janata Party. Are these JD(S) and AIPJD leaders now trying to rewrite history and distort facts to suit their motives?'' Mr. Mallya asked.

On the JD(S) and the AIPJD not making any comments against Vijay Sankeshwar's new party, Kannada Nadu, he said: "I wonder why they are not talking about the new party instead of attacking me and the Janata Party. Quite obviously, they are scared because the original Janata Party has re-emerged with a popular symbol, and because we are offering fresh action plans and programmes.''

Mr. Mallya said the JD(S) and AIPJD leaders should not forget that they had been given many chances by the people. "They have ruled the State before, and their utter failure is reflected in the pitiable conditions of farmers and the poor in the State,'' he added.

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