Kumaraswamy meets Sonia,says JD(S) not leaving Third Front

“There is no question of leaving the Third Front… That question does not arise. We are in Third Front and will be in Third Front,” he told a press conference after meeting Gandhi.

The former Karnataka Chief Minister,who hid his face while entering Gandhi’s 10,Janpath residence to avoid the media,insisted his meeting with the Congress chief was in connection with certain issues relating to his state Karnataka and had nothing to do with national politics.

He said he had “explained” to CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat and CPI leader D Raja why he met Gandhi.

I am a former Chief Minister. I can meet anyone,” Kumaraswamy said adding he had met Gandhi on a request from some “Congress friends”.

“Anyone thinking that JD(S) will leave the Third Front is living in fool’s paradise,” he said when repeatedly asked whether he and his party would remain in the Third Front even after May 16,the day votes are counted.

He said JD(S) would abide by whatever decision the Third Front takes. Third Front is emerging stronger and stronger,” Kumaraswamy claimed.

Kumaraswamy said he had also briefed his father and JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda on his discussions with Gandhi.

“Neither Congress has any expectations from us nor are we expecting anything from Congress as we are in the Third Front,” he said.

He said people should vote for Third Front candidates during tomorrow’s polling in 86 constituencies.

Kumaraswamy,however,was at pains to explain hiding of his face while entering the Congress President’s residence.

He claimed he put his hand on his face because he was “sweating” (in his Mercedes car).

He said he had met Gandhi before elections also. When pressed by reporters to explain the meeting,the JD(S) leader said he was not answerable to the media as to why he met Gandhi. On the timing of the meeting,he said it was an “auspicious” occasion.

Asked whether he discussed the issue of dismissing BJP government in Karnataka,Kumaraswamy dismissed it as “immature” talk. At the same,time,he said all parties need to “cut BJP’s impact”. He also claimed TRS had “clarified” that it was still with Third Front.