Karnataka - Bellary   

`Samajwadi Party will lead third front'

Staff Correspondent

Some parties that are in the UPA, NDA may join us: Bangarappa

BELLARY: The president of the State unit of the Samajwadi Party and former Chief Minister, S. Bangarappa, has predicted a change in Government at the Centre and early elections in the State.

Mr. Bangarappa, who was here to address a party workers' convention on Tuesday, told presspersons that going by the latest political developments there are indications that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government is likely to collapse with the Left parties withdrawing support. "If this happens, then a third front, floated by the Samajwadi Party, has a chance of forming the Government as there is no possibility of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coming back to power," he said.

Discussions

Replying to a question, Mr. Bangarappa said that the process of forming a third front is on and preliminary rounds of discussion with political parties have begun. "Our party president has been holding talks with various political parties and some of the political parties that are part of the UPA and the NDA may join hands with us to form the third front," he said.

He added that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have started sinking after losing ground in some of the big States such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

In Karnataka too the Congress-led coalition Government will collapse soon. "Our party has been laying more stress on uplifting the oppressed classes and we will fight the elections on our own. We hope that we will emerge as the single largest party and form the Government in the State if fresh elections are held," he said.

`Ploy'

Mr. Bangarappa described the BJP leader, L.K. Advani's description of Mohammed Ali Jinnah as secular during his tour of Pakistan as a ploy. He said that the statements were made with an eye to capture Muslim votes. "People are not fools to fall prey to such a ploy," he said. Mr. Bangarappa was also of the view that Congress leaders should realise that they cannot build a party under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi.

When asked if the Deputy Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader, Siddaramaiah, should join the Congress, Mr. Bangarappa said: "If he has the guts let him do it. I have done it [joined the Samajwadi Party] and emerged successful with the blessings of the people."

Bold decisions

Mr. Bangarappa said that bold decisions need to be taken at times and such decisions should be for protecting policies, principles and the interests of the public. Only then will it be meaningful, he added. "I took bold decisions and people endorsed them through their votes in the elections. It is for Mr. Siddaramaiah to take a decision," he said.

Defending his decision to move from one party to another, Mr. Bangarappa said that change is inevitable to maintain principles and standards. "I am a born fighter for the right cause," he said.

Sudhakar, district unit president of the party, was present.

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