Deve Gowda: Deve Gowda: ‘Forget industry, we’re pro poor’

"Pro poor"? I am still rolling on the floor in laughter

‘Forget industry, we’re pro poor’
The Indian Express

BANGALORE, DECEMBER 10: JD(S) chief H.D. Deve Gowda is fuming over Chief Minister Dharam Singh’s explanation to industrialists about Bangalore’s development. Launching a programme to mobilise funds for the party today, Gowda said there was no need to give explanations to industrialists. ‘‘Whatever the government has to show is for the poor,’’ he said.

Later, however, Gowda retracted. ‘‘Following instructions from his party president, Chief Minister Dharam Singh may have given explanations to industrialists. I have nothing to say on the issue.’’

But during the function, Gowda had plenty to say. He charged that neglecting the poor was unpardonable. ‘‘There is no high command for us (JD-S) and we are not scared of elections,’’ he added.

On reports about a crumbling Bangalore, he said: ‘‘I know what people are saying about me and Bangalore. I do not want to react now. When the time comes, I know what to do.’’

Taking a dig at Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Gowda said: ‘‘Can Sonia rule the country with 145 people? People have not mortgaged the country to any one party. They are not owners, and nor are we tenants.’’

On the delayed Cabinet expansion, Gowda said the government would not be affected by JD(S). ‘‘After the chief minister gives a list of 11 persons to be inducted, I will give my list. Let them do whatever they want. We will go ahead with pro-poor programmes and organising the party.’’

On his party’s programme for fund-raising, Gowda took the Election Commission to task. ‘‘Seshan and Lyngdoh tried to reform the election process. But, there is no attempt at that now. The political parties have come to a stage where they have to beg before industrialists to fight elections. I decided to end that practice and am trying to collect money from the people,’’ Gowda added.