Revival of Third Front does not interest Deve Gowda

Seeking to downplay his recent meetings with Janata Parivar leaders like George Fernandes and C Subramanian Swamy, JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Monday said he has no interest in reviving the Third Front for the moment.

"I am not interested in either leading or taking part in the revival of the Third Front. My immediate concern in the JD(S). For the time being I will restrict myself to Karnataka politics. If my party prospers, then I may think about the Third Front," Gowda told reporters here.

Two days ago, newly elected JD(U) national president Sharad Yadav had said that he would meet Gowda to discuss the revival of the Third Front.

"I have friends in all parties. If they meet me, it does not mean that revival of the Third Front is on the anvil. I do not attach much importance to such speculations. How can I revive the Third Front with only two MPs," he asked.

The former prime minister said he would accord top priority to rebuild the JD(S). "There are three factions of my party. I have to strengthen the party base to ensure that we perform well in the forthcoming polls to the local bodies. Where is the time for me to think about Third Front," he wondered.

On the participation of the 39 'rebel' JD(S) legislators in Saturday's party meeting, Gowda said he had not prevented anybody from attending it.

"These 39 legislators, including the chief minister, attended the meeting because of their concern for the party. Despite enjoying two-third's majority of the party, they have not approached the Election Commission seeking a separate identity. Had they made such a move, the original JD(S) would have lost its identity as well as symbol. It would have been difficult for us to face the polls. We allowed them to participate in the meeting to reciprocate their gesture," he explained.

Gowda, however, said the disciplinary action against the 39 legislators was pending before the committee concerned of the party.

"Just because they have shown us a gesture does not mean that they will be spared. The committee will meet soon to take appropriate action," he stated.