The Hindu : Karnataka News : Hung Assembly likely in State: Mallya

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 12, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

Hung Assembly likely in State: Mallya

By S. Rajendran

BANGALORE, APRIL 11. Vijay Mallya, Working President of the Janata Party and Rajya Sabha member, has evolved "Yuva Shakthi," a programme for encouragingthe youth to participate in politics and help build the nation.

"I have come into politics to serve as a catalyst for change and stem the rot and degeneration," he says. Excerpts from an interview with Mr. Mallya:

Q: Do you expect the Janata Party to have a role in the formation of the next government in Karnataka and at the Centre?

A: I am confident that the rejuvenated Janata Party will have an important role in Karnataka, though not at the Centre. Karnataka is going through a bad patch, and people want a change. If we are unsuccessful inthe process of forming the next government, we will serve as a constructive Opposition party.

Can you explain the concept of Yuva Shakthi?

The Janata Party is being reconstructed on the Yuva Shakthi platform. Nearly 50 per cent of the population is below 20 years of age, and the youth will be given a platform where they can voice their opinion. A large number of candidates that we have fielded are educated youths with a proper grounding. The youth are against corruption in public life, and the Janata Party's philosophy is against corruption.

What do you expect the election results to be?

I expect a hung Assembly in the State. Not much can be said about the Lok Sabha results although regional parties are expected to do well. In Karnataka, it will be a fractured mandate, and it is here that political parties such as the Janata Party will have a role to play. The Janata Party will open its account in the next Assembly.

In what way are you different from other politicians?

Ours is a party comprising "givers," not "takers." I am not into politics to help myself. This is perhaps the first election where I will not be spending on the election campaign ofother political parties and politicians.

Are you disappointed that no senior politician has responded to your invitation to join your party?

The party's doors were kept open, but not for all and the sundry. Very senior politicians approached me seeking admission to the party and also the party ticket. I did not admit them as we were scouting for quality people who may be political novices. We are seeking to bring about a change and can achieve this only if we have the right kind of people.

Some reports have it that you are into elections to help the Congress.

It is a wrong presumption. The Janata Party is maintaining equidistance from both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. We are keen on providing an alternative to the two parties and show to the people that they can bank on yet another political force.

Are you planning to form a third front?

The formation of a secular front is in the offing, and it will take a proper shape shortly.

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