In poll bound Karnataka, Gowda continues to keep all guessing

H D Deve Gowda has kept everyone guessing on what the JD(S) would do in the post-election scenario in Karnataka. With several opinion polls suggesting a hung house, the JD(S) is expected to play kingmaker. It may be recalled that Gowda was praised by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, which set of speculation that the BJP and JD(S) are in an alliance.

Gowda, however, downplayed Modi's statements and requested the media not to read too much into it. Gowda had both praise and criticism for the PM and said that he is a very intelligent man who does his homework before saying anything. "He (Modi) understands what is happening in Karnataka. He knows exactly what to say in each state he visits. He said he used to come to receive me at my car and then drop me back when I went to visit him. There is nothing special in that and there is no need to take any meaning out of this," Gowda said.

He, however, criticised the PM for his silence on the Mahadayi dispute. He addressed a rally at Belgavi. Could he have not spoken at least something about the issue, Gowda asked. We can understand his character now. Did he have one word for the farmers, Gowda further asked?

Gowda also said that he had said he would resign if Modi became PM. "After that, I had met Modi and he told me not to resign. He said he needed my guidance", Gowda also added.
Gowda said that the PM's praise stems from the fact that he is an ex-PM and there is nothing more to that. He also said that a Kannadiga had become the PM of the country and Siddaramaiah tried to demolish Kannada pride. "This is how Congress gives respect to Kannada pride", he also said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had some kind words for Deve Gowda during one of his rallies he addressed in Karnataka on Tuesday. He criticised Rahul Gandhi for taking on Deve Gowda and said that even though he is a novice, he criticises a veteran like Gowda.

The generous praise on Gowda is being seen as analysts as an attempt by the BJP to keep the JD(S) happy in the eventuality of a hung verdict in Karnataka.

H D Kumaraswamy had earlier said that the mistake of the past will not be repeated. "Would I be working so hard in the heat of north Karnataka, if I was in an alliance with the BJ?. North Karnataka is considered to be a strong region for the BJP. Kumaraswamy also adds that he has made several promises to the voter and those cannot be fulfilled if his party enters into an alliance. If we cannot form the government we will either sit in opposition or face a fresh election", he also says.