Bengaluru: If the latest developments in the state are any indication, there is a possibility of mid-term polls to the State Assembly at any time during this year instead of general elections in 2018, according to former chief minister and Janata Dal (Secular) president H D Kumaraswamy.
Speaking with media persons here after congratulating Big Boss Season 4 Kannada winner Pratham, who paid a courtesy call on him, Kumaraswamy predicted prepone of elections to the State Assembly. “If the day-to-day developments in the state government are any indication, this government will fall within six months. There are indications of Karnataka going to polls to State Assembly along with Gujarat Assembly elections. There are no symptoms of Siddaramaiah-led government completing its term. State may go to polls much before the completion of Siddaramaiah’s term as Chief Minister,’’ Kumaraswamy said.
Mocks BJP
Dismissing BJP’s claim of winning 150 seats in the next elections to the State Assembly, Kumaraswamy mocked BJP leaders for vying among them in extending an invitation to former Union Minister S M Krishna who quit Congress recently. “On one hand the state BJP leaders are making statements of BJP bagging 150 seats in the next Assembly elections on its own and on the other hand these leaders are telling people BJP will be strengthened in the state if Krishna joins BJP. The BJP leaders have neglected senior leaders like L K Advani who contributed a lot for launching BJP and worked hard to strengthen it. How BJP will be strengthened if Krishna joins it?’’ Kumaraswamy asked.
Answering a query from media persons on the rumours on former minister and Congress MLA Ambarish joining the JD(S), Kumaraswamy has said no discussions were held on Ambarish joining the JD(S). “I have not discussed with anyone on this issue. As of now, I am touring state to strengthen JD(S),’’ he said.
Appreciation
Kumaraswamy has appreciated Pratham, the winner of Big Boss Season 4 Kannada for contemplating to use the prize money for social activities. “Pratham’s decision to use the prize money for social activities deserves appreciation. It indicates Pratham’s goodwill,’’ he said.
Courtesy call
Speaking on the occasion, Pratham recalled how Kumaraswamy wished him a good luck over the phone at the beginning of Big Boss Season 4 Kannada. “Now I met him to express my gratitude. I have no intention to join politics. My objective is to continue acting in Kannada films. I am planning to launch a charitable trust shortly. I utilize the prize money I got from Big Boss Season 4 Kannada for social activities,’’ Pratham said.
