Hours after warning the BJP to mend their ways if they wanted a power transfer, JD(S) patriarch and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda added yet another dramatic twist to the tale.
Speaking exclusively to CNN-IBN on Face the Nation, Gowda put forth his conditions for handing over power to the ally under the 20-month coalition agreement.
CNN-IBN: Six days to go for the transfer of power from JD(S) to BJP, why are you developing cold feet, Mr Gowda?
Gowda: The question before me is that for the first time, a coalition government was formed by my son H D Kumaraswamy without the permission of the national party high command. Now he has realised his mistake due the suffering he has had to undergo in last 20 months.
CNN-IBN: When this government was formed, you washed your hands off it. Why are you now positioning yourself as the central piece in this agitation for power?
Gowda: The problem is that a party is paramount is a democratic system. Without the permission of party, he (Kumaraswamy) took the decision of aligning with BJP and account for the humiliation created by Congress. Now the party – when he has realised his mistake – will have to take final view. The party has to now act in order to protect the interests of JD(S) and its workers.
CNN-IBN: Are you or are you not going to hand over power to the BJP?
Gowda: The question of handing over depends on how the BJP national leadership acts. There is no question of any hesitation on my part. If the BJP is going to endorse the charges of murder made by a Cabinet colleague against the Chief Minister, we’ll also see. This is the most serious charge made against any chief minister after Independence.
CNN-IBN: You in 1998, while stepping down from PM’s post, called Sitaram Kesari an ‘old man who’s in a hurry’. Aren’t you worried that people may start looking at you as someone who’s a political opportunist?
Gowda: See, when I stepped down, every political party tried to persuade me to continue in office, including BJP top leaders. But I refused to take support from any political party and even turned down the offer made by Late Sitaram Kesari.
CNN-IBN: What is it that you want the BJP to do in order to fulfill the commitment that you’ve made?
Gowda: It is not the question of satisfying me, it’s about giving satisfaction to the entire population of Karnataka. In the last 20 months, BJP has crossed the boundaries of understanding of Karnataka Development Front.
CNN-IBN: Do you not rule out handing over power?
Gowda: If the BJP top leadership takes note of all events that have taken place, including the latest one of ugly charges against CM, and try to find out proper solution, I am willing to discuss with them.
CNN-IBN: So if BJP withdraws FIR, are you willing to hand over power?
Gowda: It’s not the question of withdrawing charges. Some RSS workers attacked Karundnidhi’s daughter’s house and burnt buses over Ram Setu issue recently. These should also be addressed.
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