With the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party trying to win the support of the Janata Dal (Secular) in the elections to the Mayor's post in the BBMP, Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal Supremo H.D.Deve Gowda seems to be stepping up the stakes. In a telephonic interview to The Hindu he indicated that the onus is on the Congress high command to approach him and claimed that so far no one has approached him from any party regarding an alliance.
Question : The JD(S) now seems to hold the key to which party's candidate will win the Mayoral elections, you have had differences with both the BJP and the Congress, which one would you prefer?
Answer : "Nobody has contacted me, Date for the polls has not been fixed and since no one has approached us it is a hypothetical question. We have not gone knocking on anyone's doors"
Question : Given the history of differences and rivalry between you and Mr.Siddaramiah, is the JD(S) willing to form an alliance with the Congress which is led by Mr.Siddaramiah in the state ?
Answer: "Siddaramiah worked with me for more than 7 years and how things have happened after that I do not wish to comment upon. It is left to the Congress high command to approach us and it is to be clinched by them".
Question : So are you saying you are open to such an alliance, do you think it is in the interest of Bengaluru ?
"It is again a hypothetical question. In the interest of the state capital if we are approached we will consider. I will not be a stumbling block to the development of the city and the JD(S) has done a lot for the city's progress"
Question : Does that mean you are open to the BJP as well ? Mr.Sadanada Gowda met you at your residence ?
Answer : "We have a long history with the BJP, we all know what happened when Kumaraswamy formed an alliance with them. I am not sure how this issue will be clinched by the BJP high command"
Question : How do you respond to accusations that the JD(S) is indulging in bargaining and horse trading ?
Answer : " That is not true. We have not gone knocking on anyone's doors and if they seek our support then we will consider our position. It is not correct to say that we are bargaining."
