HDK to play kingmaker's role in Karnataka

Bangalore, Apr 23: Unperturbed by blame of betrayal politics, the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) is looking for a kingmaker position in the forthcoming Karnataka Assembly elections. The Chief Ministerial candidate of the party HD Kumaraswamy is not at all worried with the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) allegation of politics of betrayal. He still speaks of regional issues and achievements of his 20-month government in the state.

Talking to ANI in an exclusive interview, former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy who engineered a coupe to become the Chief Minister of the BJP/JD-S coalition said: "We would highlight the achievements of our party namely; banning lottery, banning liquor in several areas and waiver of loan to farmers."

Kumarawswamy is confident of the JD-S forming government on its own after the elections.

"We will get clear majority and we are going to form the next government in the state," he said.

Kumaraswamy also maintained that his party would contest all 224-assembly seats. Even though he rules out any political tie up with any party, he hints at political adjustments.

Commenting over the challenges being faced by the party, Kumaraswamy said: "During last assembly elections we were weak in the northern part of the state, but we are hopeful about improving our position."

Kumaraswamy said that Congress Young Turk Rahul Gandhi's visit to state or former Chief Minister SM Krishna's comeback would not have any impact on politics in the state.

For him BJP's Arun Jaitely's strategy has no significance. He talks about loan waiver to farmers during his time, his village stays. He agrees the JD-S has to fight both Congress and BJP in straight or triangular contests.

Talking about the Bahujan Samaj Party's (BSP) plan to contest the elections, Kumaraswamy said: "The BSP presence will not have any impact on us, but it is for sure that the party would eat into the Congress Party's vote share. In a way, the presence of BSP would help us."

Showing no interest in the national politics, he said that he enjoys support of his family in whatever he does.

All is not well in JD-S too. Bogged down by dissidence they are also facing problems. In case of a fractured mandate, the JD-S has to find a pair of shoes to fit in.

ANI