I am the phoenix that Deve Gowda had said would rise from the ashes: Kumaraswamy

PTI, May 14, 2022, 11:11 AM IST

Image: Twitter/@hd_kumaraswamy

Claiming to be the “phoenix” that his father H D Deve Gowda had referred to, while demitting the office of the Prime Minister in 1997, JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Friday kick-starting his party’s poll campaign for 2023 Karnataka assembly polls, vowed to establish a government of Kannadigas in the state.

The former chief minister sought an opportunity for JD(S) to independently form a government in the state, for a full five-year term.

“…about 25-26 years ago, my father lost the Prime Minister’s post and came back. Even at this age if any former Prime Minister is fighting for the cause of farmers and people of the state, it is a Kannadiga Deve Gowda, whom you nurtured,” Kumaraswamy said.

Addressing a massive public meeting on the outskirts of the city, he said, “Respected (Nanjavadutha) Swamiji (who was present in the rally) pointing out that Deve Gowda had long ago stated that he would rise like a phoenix from the ashes, said that phoenix is none other than Kumaraswamy. Yes…I will rise like that phoenix with the blessings of God and people of the state.” With the blessings of everyone in 2023, JD(S) will establish a government of and by Kannadigas in Karnataka to solve their problems, he said, adding that “…we have taken up this challenge.” In the speech he made in Parliament before laying down office as Prime Minister on April 21, 1997, Deve Gowda had claimed that he would “rise like a phoenix from the ashes”.

JD(S) patriarch and former PM Deve Gowda, state party chief C M Ibrahim, Nanjavadutha Swamiji of Spatikapuri Math, a host of party leaders and legislators were present at the rally.

The JD(S) that has set a target of winning 123 seats in the 225 member Assembly hosted a massive public meeting on the outskirts of the city to begin its campaign for the 2023 Assembly polls in the state, and to mark the conclusion of its ‘Janata Jaladhare’ campaign.

The Janata Jaladhare was a statewide campaign to create awareness on water rights, and convey the party’s promise of using the state’s rivers effectively if voted to power. It has covered about 140 assembly constituencies across the state.

‘Ganga Aarti’ was performed by a team that had come from Varanasi at the conclusion of the rally.

“We want the JD(S) to come to power in the state with your blessings. It is not for me to become Chief Minister once again. I have already been CM twice, but not with the complete blessings of the people of the state. It was due to certain political developments,” Kumaraswamy said.

He said both times he was under pressure from coalition partners (first BJP and second Congress) and was unable to take decisions independently in the interest of the state.

Deve Gowda in his address said this rally will mark the beginning for the JD(S) to come to power in the state.

“I appeal to people to bring the regional party to power on its own strength in Karnataka…the struggle for reaching the target of 123 seats will begin from here,” he said.