The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Bangarappa open to poll tie-ups

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Apr 06, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Bangarappa open to poll tie-ups

Special Correspondent

Party to give importance to women youth
Centre urged to release funds for relief measures

Bangalore: Samajwadi Party State president S. Bangarappa has said that his party is not averse to entering into an electoral alliance with likeminded parties such as the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha.

Briefing presspersons after the party’s district presidents’ meeting here on Saturday, the former Chief Minister said the party had enough resources, infrastructure and public support to contest all the 224 Assembly seats in the coming elections.

Considering the political scenario in the State, the party was open to talks on an electoral alliance with any party other than the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Janata Dal (United) on a fair and practical basis.

The party would expect its political partner or partners in the election to stand by the pre-election agreement after the polls, Mr. Bangarappa said.

Replying to questions, he said his party would not initiate talks on alliances with other parties. Talks would be held with likeminded parties if they approached the Samajwadi Party.

Referring to reports that he had held discussions with the JD(S) leader and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, he said, “We have not met or held talks. But I cannot rule out anything in politics. There is ample scope and time for electoral alliances.”

Asked how many seats his party would win, Mr. Bangarappa said that it was premature to make a prediction.

The party would give importance to women and youth while selecting candidates.

Referring to crop loss and property damage in several parts of the State, particularly in Uttara Kannada, due to heavy rainfall, he said that the Centre should immediately release funds for relief measures.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka