‘No big backing for regional parties’

Exactly a year ago, former KJP working president Shobha Karandlaje was confident of building a strong regional party in Karnataka. But she has now realized there is no scope for regional parties and has returned to BJP with her mentor B.S. Yeddyurappa.

In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Karandlaje asserted that the merger of KJP with BJP is not a desperate decision by Yeddyurappa and said the homecoming will not lead to a dimnishing of the clout of the Lingayat strongman.

She said that  if the Congress raises corruption issues pertaining to Yeddyurappa, it would boomerang as  dozen of Congress leaders are involved in grave corruption charges both at the Centre and in the state. Excerpts from an interview.

Do you think the merger with BJP was inevitable for your party?

Two reasons prompted KJP’s merger with BJP. Firstly, after Congress came to power, BJP and KJP workers have realized that only if BJP and Yeddyurappa join hands, they can counter the misrule of Congress. Even people have been requesting us to rejoin BJP. Secondly, BJP has projected Narendra Modi for PM. Since this is a good decision, we have decided to support him.

When KJP was launched, you said there is a lot of scope for regional parties. Why have you failed to take forward the concept of a regional front in the state?

Regional parties have strong roots in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, but not in Karnataka. We thought people would support the good work done by Yeddyurappa. We have to respect the political maturity of people in supporting only national parties.

Are you saying people will not support regional parties in Karnataka?

We have realized in the last Assembly elections that people are not ready to repose faith in regional parties. Our workers are also not prepared to work for a regional outfit for some more years.

KJP obtained ten percent vote share in the Assembly elections, do you think this achievement is a temporary phenomenon?

Though we obtained ten percent vote share, we have realised that the Lok Sabha fight will be between Narendra Modi and the Congress, so there is no space for a third force in Karnataka.

Do you think the return to your parent party is inevitable for your political prospects?

It is inevitable for both BJP and KJP, because we expect to win 20 seats in the Lok Sabha polls.

The merger of both parties had taken place at the state level but  not at the district and taluk level, what are the initiatives you are taking in this regard?

We have already held one round of discussion with our district, taluks and hobli level leaders and informed them about the merger. We have given instruction to our party cadre to conduct joint meetings of BJP and KJP district and taluk presidents, only then will mental bonding take place.

Will Yeddyurappa work in the BJP without any position?

Yeddyurappa does not need a position to conduct a state tour. Tall leaders like Yeddyurappa don’t need to identify themselves with a position.

Why was KJP campaign committee chairperson Dhananjay Kumar left out during the merger?

Since Dhananjay Kumar has spoken against BJP veteran L.K.Advani, party leaders are disappointed. They have to convince Advani and Kumar has to tender an apology for his remarks against the party veteran. It takes time but there is no question of keeping out Kumar, he will join the party later. Yeddyurappa himself tendered an apology to Advani for Kumar’s remarks against him.

Will BJP workers see a ‘reformed’ Yeddyurappa and Shobha Karandlaje in the days to come?

Even in the past, we have not been involved in anti-party activity in BJP. I have always put forth my views but have not interfered in the decision making process. I will not hesitate to express my views in the interest of the party. It is not possible to change our attitudes after rejoining the party. Even people may not like Yeddyurappa if he changes his attitude.

Do you think his return to BJP will restore unity in the party?

Unity is the need of the hour, both BJP and KJP leaders know that if we are united, we can counter Congress. People have punished both parties in the Assembly elections, we have realized our mistakes. 

With the reinduction of Yeddyurappa in the BJP, the party has lost its voice to speak against corruption which will be the main agenda in the Lok Sabha elections.

False cases were filed against Yeddyurappa, he will come clean, but we have wait till the court disposes the cases. We cannot compare Yeddyurappa’s cases with those of Congress ministers D.K. Shivakumar and Roshan Baig.

Are you contesting the Lok Sabha elections?

No, I will not contest, but party workers have been inviting me to contest. I have invitations from Tumkur, Mysore and Udupi-Chikmagalur. But I told party leaders that I will not contest.