‘Reddy, me great friends’

Bangalore: Once considered the rising star of the backward classes and dalits in Karnataka, BSR Congress chief B. Sriramulu is now  fighting a lone political battle, with most parties, the JD(S) and BJP, included, turning their backs on his overtures for a merger or tie-up before the Lok Sabha polls.

Knowing well that the taint of the illegal mining scam which has sent his mentor and former minister Gali Janardhan Reddy behind bars for more than 2 years, cannot be erased easily, the Valmiki community leader is grappling with the inevitable question: Is his outfit facing political extinction? The Bell­ary MLA also shrugs off questions abo­ut a stra­ined relationship with Janardhan Reddy saying they are still the best of friends.

Next: ‘God will give me power one day’

‘God will give me power one day’

Bhaskar Hegde

B. Sriramulu’s is a classic case of a leader virtually going into the history books even when politically active.

There was a time when Sriramulu would come to Bengaluru for breakfast and return home to Bellary for lunch. Now, he has reached a stage where he travels by road and walks alone on the streets of Bellary.

When Deccan Chronicle caught up with him, he was sitting at a corner in the assembly lounge, as if he was a first time MLA. The only thing which had not changed was his reluctance to give out information on any issue, be it contesting Parliament polls or joining BJP. Here are excerpts from an interview

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, there is a buzz  that you will merge your party with  JD(S) or BJP. What is the future of BSR Congress  now?

(Looks blank for a while) We have to face the  elections. We will, no doubt. We are planning to field candidates in Bellary, Haveri, Chitradurga and Raichur. 

Why only these constituencies?

There is a reason behind this thinking. We got nearly 9.5 per cent of votes in these constituencies. I have my family members and community people in Chitradurga, Bellary and Raichur. Thanks to several pro-people struggles, I became popular here. People  love me, beyond caste affiliations. That’s why I feel I have credibility, despite people saying many things against me.

After the assembly elections, a lot of political changes happened. What are the changes you saw?

I built the party at a very difficult time. I am moving against the political wave. We have four MLAs. Due to court cases, one MLA has gone behind  bars. We are maintaining equi-distance from both BJP and Congress in the parliament elections.

Many people are saying the fight is between two national parties, Congress and BJP in the LS polls. There is a wave for Narendra Modi. But, as a party we cannot sit quiet. So we decided to contest the polls.

Isn’t it true that you desperately tried to join JD (S) and BJP. Both rejected your offer. Comment Please do not say this. I never tried to do this because I have a party. The media writes whatever it thinks. They write anything presuming that I am prepared for compromises with any party. I never went to anyone. If media realises this, I will be obliged to them.

Senior leader B.S. Yeddyurappa seemed to  realise that he could not run his party in isolation. So he merged his party with BJP. How will you keep your party intact?

Yes I agree. I am not as big as Yeddyurappaji. We are a small party. I believe in god. I decided to keep the party intact thinking that God will give me power one day. If I sit quiet, people will not vote for me. So, I have to fight on till people realise that I am a force to reckon with.

But there were reports that Congress MLA, Anil Lad is trying hard to get you into Congress party.....

I told you very clearly. It is not true.

Moving on, recently a big convention of your community(Valmiki) was held in Chitradurga. Were you invited to that convention?

Yes, a big convention was held. I had an invitation but I did not go as I had a prior engagement.

To be frank with you, you have been sidelined. There was a time, immediately after your victory in the Bellary by-election when you were described as the rising leader of OBC, SC and STs. Today, you are nowhere within your community. Satish Jarkiholi has emerged as the new star.

No, I do not read things the way you do. At that time I had power, I helped many people. So, I was considered a big leader. Now, the Jarkiholis are in power. So, people made him the leader. I have no issues. For Satishji or for me, our primary concern is the development of our community. When I was in power, I helped them. Now, he is in power.

How are your relations with Janardhan Reddy(now in jail)?

We were friends and even now we are good friends.

Are you telling the truth? The buzz is that you had serious differences with him over political issues.

You can check the jail records. I visited him on many occasions. We are really good friends.   
Will you contest the Lok Sabha polls?

I have not decided as yet. I will consult my partymen and then decide.