The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : A good catch for JD(S)

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Thursday, Jun 28, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

A good catch for JD(S)

Special Correspondent

Former cricketer Dodda Ganesh joins party

— Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

Shot in the arm: Former cricketer Dodda Ganesh being welcomed into the Janata Dal (S) by party president H.D. Deve Gowda in Bangalore on Wednesday. Mohammed Azharuddin is with them.

BANGALORE: Former Karnataka cricketer Dodda Ganesh began his second innings by taking a plunge into politics. He formally joined the Janata Dal (S) in the presence of the former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and former Indian skipper Mohammed Azharuddin at the party office in Bangalore.

Mr. Ganesh, who turned up in white khadi shirt, said he was joining a regional party like the JD (S) to work for the welfare of farmers and needy. I am born in this State and I am eager to work for the welfare of farmers of the State, he said and remarked that he was willing to work round-the-clock.

Mr. Ganesh, who appeared to be a little nervous when he began his address, said, “I can play cricket in front of lakhs of people without any difficulty. But I am not used to delivering speeches. But I will learn to speak soon.”

He referred to Mr Deve Gowda as “appaji” (father) and Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy as “Kumaranna.” Mr. Ganesh said Mr. Azharuddin had even assured him of providing financial help if he wanted to contest the Assembly polls.

Mr. Deve Gowda said that it was Mr. Azharuddin who had advised Mr. Ganesh to join the JD (S). “It shows that Azhar knows that JD (S) is the only party which can protect minorities. I will not forget this gesture of Azhar,” he said.

JD (S) spokesperson Y.S.V. Datta remarked, “A good bowler has joined our team. It’s time to take wickets now.”

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