BENGALURU: Janata Dal (Secular) leader Deve Gowda, at the age of 90, has himself got into the political battlefield enthusiastically to participate in campaigns ahead of the Assembly elections in Karnataka. He will campaign mainly in Mandya and other parts of Old Mysore region, which is the stronghold of JD(S).
While the election campaigning is going in full swing, H D Kumaraswamy, who was hospitalised with fever, was discharged from hospital on Tuesday and will again get into campaign mode.
The father-son duo are putting in all their efforts to ensure the party’s victory in the seats the JD(S) is contesting. Though Deve Gowda will soon turn 90, he started campaigning as Kumaraswamy was indisposed. He completed campaigning in Tumakuru on Monday and also covered Mysuru.
Deve Gowda campaigned in three constituencies — Periyapatna, KR Nagar and Krishnaraja constituency. A day after the discharge, Kumaraswamy will also hit the campaign trail.
Kumaraswamy prepared a route map for the campaign even while he was under treatment. He plans to complete campaign in Chamarajanagar and Varuna and cover at least 7-8 constituencies from Wednesday as there is not much time for the day of polling.
Kumaraswamy plans to hold public meetings, party workers’ meeting and roadshows during the campaign. The is JD(S) geared up for campaign in at least 120 constituencies in 15 days with focus on North Karnataka, Central Karnataka and Old Mysore region. Kumaraswamy plans to campaign in Bengaluru for 2-3 days and for at least two days in Ramanagara and Channapatna constituencies.
Former Prime Minister Deve Gowda said, “The election will be held on May 10 and the party programmes are scheduled till May 8. I will participate in them in three constituency every day”.
Kumaraswamy was discharged from hospital on Monday and has formed an innovative programme including Pancha Ratna Yojana. He will campaign in 40-50 different parts of the state. “I will travel to 42 Assembly segments.We don’t have money power, but we have manpower. Our pary will come to power on its own with the blessings of the people”.
“Kumaraswamy has kept his promise twice. I have faith that people will support him this time also. I am not bothered about whoever spoke lightly about the party”, said Deve Gowda. Reacting to Amit Shah’s statement that JD(S) is the ‘B’ team of Congress, Deve Gowda said, “They are in a position to say so, everyone can express their feelings. Let’s wait till the election is over. I don’t have to respond to everything he said. People of the state will give the result during election”.
Former Chief Minister Kumaraswamy, speaking to media persons after he was discharged, said, “Doctors advised me rest for three days, but I am not in a state of taking rest. I called a campaign meeting today in K R Nagar, Chamarajanagara, Varuna constituencies. I have launched continuous programmes till May 8. Deve Gowda is a bit worried about my health, but he had participated in meetings in Sira, Madhugiri and Koratagere. On Tuesday, he left for Periyapatna and K R Nagar. He is working hard to reach our target of 123 seats at his old age”.