The Hindu : Differences with BJP will be sorted out, says Somashekar

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 26, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

Differences with BJP will be sorted out, says Somashekar

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, MARCH 25. The President of the State unit of the Janata Dal (United), B. Somashekar, has expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party-Janata Dal (U) combine would win an adequate number of seats to form the next Government in the State.

He told presspersons here today that the Janata Dal (U), although not happy with the number of seats and the constituencies allotted to it by the BJP, would make efforts to ensure the success of the alliance. "There is bound to be some discontent within the Janata Dal (U), but all these differences will be ironed out. We are confident that the BJP will allot more seats to the Janata Dal (U). All of us should also understand that the bargaining power of the Janata Dal (U) has been reduced following some of the leaders crossing over to other parties."

Earlier, a large group of people from the Bellary and Hospet regions joined the Janata Dal (U) under the leadership of Guruvina Kotraiah of Hoovina Hadagali who had unsuccessfully contested the 1994 Legislative Assembly elections. It was the first time that such a large group of people was joining the Janata Dal (U) after the All-India Progressive Janata Dal merged with the Janata Dal (U).

Mr. Somashekar said the entry of people into the Janata Dal (U) was a clear indication that the people had accepted the party entering into an electoral understanding with the National Democratic Alliance. "Our aim now is to oust the Congress Government in the State. We are confident of amicably sorting out all issues with the BJP under the leadership of the NDA convenor and Janata Dal (U) President, George Fernandes."

Youth would be inducted into the party and the Janata Dal (U) would emerge as a strong force. "Many of the opportunistic leaders who quit the party some time ago are now repenting and some of them are even seeking to come back," he said.

Asked about the stand of the senior leader, H.N. Nanje Gowda, who has issued an ultimatum to the BJP to allot more seats to the Janata Dal (U) if it was serious in continuing with the alliance, Mr. Somashekar said, "Being a senior leader of the party, Mr. Nanje Gowda has only voiced his concern in the interests of the party. There are many aspirants seeking nomination and many of them have been loyal to the party for long. Mr. Nanje Gowda's statements are largely aimed at obtaining more seats."

He also said that the Janata Dal (U) and the BJP would launch a joint election campaign although the candidates of the two parties would contest on the symbols of their respective parties.

The campaign schedule would be worked out shortly, he added.

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