Former PM Devegowda calls for strengthening JD(S) in Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru Oct 15, 2016: Janatha Dal (Secular) supremo and former prime minister HD Devegowda said that JD(S) which does not have a strong presence in Mangaluru at present, should be made  stronger by strengthening it  from the grass root level.

Addressing Media at Circuit house today October 15, Saturday  Devegowda said that three teams have been formed to travel across the state to strengthen the party’s base. "My primary goal is to develop Janatha Dal into a regional party that can fight the two major national parties," he declared.

People have shown their support for JD(S) to stand in between two major parties. Even though our position in Mangaluru at present is not satisfactory, we  are confident enough of getting good results in near future from this region, Gowda said.

"JD(S) has been labelled as the father-son party, what is the need to project my family ?," he questioned.  

He further said that when Farooq has been selected for party candidate he too agreed, Zafrulla and Madhu Bangarappa who were in Dubai later joined the party. In my past 55 years of political career I have deeply understood the importance of regional party in the district and confident enough to build the party in Dakshina Kannada, he added.

When asked about inviting Ambareesh and Srinivas Prasad to JD(S), Devegowda said that, everyone are free to express their opinions and there will be no pressure and provocation from our party."The decision is left to them in case these ministers are willing to join the party then I will definitely welcome them," he added.

Regard to the formation of Uniform Civil Code, HD Devegowda said that such a code was not required for the country.   What is the need to intervene when the nation has people following different faiths, each having their own values and beliefs?," he questioned. We have many other prime issues to be discussed rather than Uniform Civil Code, he said.

When asked about Pankthi Bedha in Udupi Mutt, he said that this is not a matter to be discussed."It is a matter of  belief and practice and no one can be forced.  As per my wish I have visited mosques, temples and Churches and I have right to take my decisions," he said.

"During my tenure as PM there was not a single case of  communal clash or farmers’ suicide. I always wanted Mangaluru to be industrial capital of the country. There are lots of opportunities to convert Mangaluru into a tourism destination," he further added.

"During the next election JD(S) will contest for all 224 seats and let people decide the efficiency of Kumaraswamy," said Devegowda.

Soraba MLA Madhu Bangarappa, Mohammed Kunhi, Akshith Suvarna, JD(S) leaders Zafarullah Khan, Amarnath Shetty, MB Sadashiv and others were present.