The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Bangalore): Former Chief Minister and current Bangalore North MP, D.V. Sadananda Gowda, hinted at a possible departure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while acknowledging that the Congress party has expressed interest in him. Gowda plans to reveal his future political direction in a press conference scheduled for Tuesday.
On the occasion of his 71st birthday, Gowda expressed his disillusionment with the BJP, critiquing the party for sacrificing individuals for selfish motives, which he finds deeply hurtful. “Politics is fraught with its highs and lows, including moments of embarrassment. However, the disregard for individual sacrifices for personal gains is particularly distressing to me,” Gowda remarked, highlighting his grievances with the Karnataka BJP’s ethos.
Amidst rumors of his switch to Congress, Gowda acknowledged ongoing discussions with senior figures from both his current party and the Congress. He recounted a recent attempt by a senior BJP official to appease him following his expressed dissatisfaction, hinting at the complex negotiations occurring behind the scenes.
Despite previously declaring his intent to retire from electoral politics in November of the preceding year, Gowda now faces pressure from his party colleagues to reconsider. He shared his dismay at the lack of support from these colleagues when needed, leading to public embarrassment.
Before finalizing his decision, Gowda seeks to consult with his family, whom he regards as his moral compass. When asked about potentially emulating BJP colleague K.S. Eshwarappa’s decision to run as an independent candidate, Gowda remained non-committal, promising details at the upcoming news conference.
Gowda proudly noted the unwavering support from Bangalore North constituents, resulting in a flawless victory record for the BJP in the region, a feat he attributes to his personal influence and commitment.
In a related development, Shobha Karandlaje, Gowda’s successor as the BJP candidate for Bangalore North, has solicited his support. Meanwhile, she dismissed the Congress’s overtures towards Gowda as a sign of desperation, asserting the party’s lack of viable candidates and predicting its failure to sway him from supporting Narendra Modi’s re-election bid.