For the party, will renounce all: JD(S) state chief HD Kumaraswamy

Bengaluru: Upset over allegations of his family monopolising the party, Janata Dal (S) state chief, H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday offered to step down from all party positions if it would help it function better. Addressing a party workers’ rally here, he claimed he had never aspired for  any post including that of Chief Minister.  

“It all happened by chance. I  always wanted to remain  a loyal party worker, an obedient son and an affectionate brother. But responsibilities were thrust on me. Later , the same people who encouraged me,  started spreading rumours that the party was controlled by my family. This is not true.  If  my party can benefit, I am ready to resign from all positions," he said.

Denying any infighting in his family,  he claimed such talk was being spread by its rivals. "Why would I fight  my father who is a veteran leader? Why would I pick a fight with my elder brother, H. D. Revanna? My family is united," he asserted.  

Visibly upset by the  groupism in the party,  Janata Dal (Secular) supremo, H. D. Deve Gowda said it could return to its past glory if  its legislators sorted out their differences.

"I am not making this appeal  to make my son  the next Chief Minister but in the interests of the farmers who are suffering under the present government. The last government, pumped bullets into  hearts of our farmers and now the present government is hell bent on breaking their backs," he charged in an emotionally choked voice.

"We have two years left. We can sort out our differences and regroup to win the 2018 Assembly  polls on our own," he asserted, adding that he would go on  a state wide tour once the budget session had ended.

"Of late I am being called a mad old man.  I accept this with  great humility as I am  mad about building my party and will do so till my last breath," he declared.