JD(S) may launch nationwide stir against corruption

The ensuing plenary of the Janata Dal (Secular), led by the former Prime Minister, H.D. Deve Gowda, to be held in Bangalore on January 19 and 20 is likely to discuss and announce a nationwide protest to condemn what it calls “rampant corruption” in the United Progressive Alliance regime and the erstwhile National Democratic Alliance regime.The party would utilise the opportunity to expose the “double standards” of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which was silent on the corruption of its Chief Minister in Karnataka B.S. Yeddyurappa, and at the same time, making noises about the scams in UPA.

“The BJP has no right to criticise or discuss corruption in the UPA regime like Adarsh society, 2G Spectrum allocation etc., as Mr. Yeddyurappa himself is caught involved in the series of scams, including land deal and charges of horse-trading, to save his government. Mr. Yeddyurappa's acts will go into the history of Karnataka politics for all his negative images, which is a national shame,” alleged JD (S) secretary-general Kunwar Danish Ali here on Monday.

“The meet will also give a clarion call to all secular parties to join hands to fight against growing religious fundamentalism, including the emergence of Hindutva terror groups. It will exhort the people to support a viable pro-farmer, pro-people, pro-Dalit, pro-minority and corruption-free alternative,” Mr. Ali said.

There will be a special address by Mr. Gowda during the plenary and it will be preceded by the national executive of the party to discuss, among other things, electing the president of the party.

The conference will also be significant as it will work out party strategies to face the coming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Assam and West Bengal. Besides, it will work out a common strategy among the non-NDA, non-UPA, secular political parties ahead of the coming budget session of Parliament on issues, including corruption and price rise.

The former Karnataka Chief Minister and JD (S) State president, H.D. Kumaraswamy, the former Chief Minister, S. Bangarappa, and JD (S) senior leaders from various States would address the meet.