Kumaraswamy sets sight on JD(S) capturing power on its own

Bangalore, Dec 15 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today vowed to work for strengthening the Janata Dal (Secular) and provide good governance to bring the party to power on its own in the next election.

Addressing a convention of the State JD(S) leaders here, he said some of his detractors had taken oath to destroy the party, but he would take this as a challenge and would not rest until his party came to power on its own strength.

Taking a dig at former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and suspended party leader P G R Sindhia, he sought to dispel the notion that the JD(S) was a family-centered party and said it was formed to protect the interests of all sections of society, especially the farmers and rural people. "The two leaders who had enjoyed both status and honour in the party, were now criticising my father and party President H D Deve Gowda and me. Mr Gowda had sacrificed everything to build an alternative political force to the Congress in the State he said.

Mr Kumaraswamy said the electorate who voted for Mr Sindhia, suspended for campaigning for Congress candidate Siddaramaiah in the just-concluded Chamundeswari Assembly byelection and Mr Siddaramaiah, remained in "pathetic condition," even while they amassed wealth.

Admitting that most of the coalition Government's policies and programmes could not be implemented due to ''non-cooperation'' of the bureaucrats, the Chief Minister warned severe action against officials who failed to implement welfare schemes and said he would devote more time in reviewing and implementing Government programmes from December 26.

He claimed that some party leaders' inimical to continuing with the coalition set up in the State' were hatching a conspiracy to topple the Government through some party Legislators and Ministers.

Addressing newspersons here, Mr Kumaraswamy said the directions issued by Mr Gowda to strengthen the party would be observed in letter and spirit. The party had taken note of the sentiments of minorities, unhappy with joining hands with the BJP, and an earnest effort would be made to convince them, he added.

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