JD(S) will contest in all 224 Assembly constituencies without joining hands with other political parties, said former Prime Minister and JD(S) Supremo H.D. Deve Gowda.

Addressing the presspersons at the Government Guest House here this morning, he said that party will be seeking votes based on the welfare programmes and developmental works taken up by H.D. Kumaraswamy during  his 20 months stint as the CM.

“Kumaraswamy waived-off Rs. 2,500 crore farmer loans, started village stays to closely monitor the progress. He has not concentrated on one particular caste or mutt,” he added.

Stating that JD(S) was confident of people supporting the party in the ensuing Assembly Polls, the former PM said that he was only asking for one more chance to serve the people.

Deve Gowda also said that people in the State had realised the need for a regional party after Karnataka was deprived  justice in River Krishna, Mahadayi and Cauvery cases.

Speaking about the recently concluded Nanjangud and Gundlupet by-elections, the JD(S) supremo said that the by-poll was not a setback for the party as we had already decided not to field our candidates in both the constituencies which was also clarified by Kumaraswamy.

“Allegations about JD(S) having an agreement with the Congress party are all false. It is only B.S. Yeddyurappa who is making such statements,” he said.

Deve Gowda added that BJP and Congress were cadre-based parties backed with strong money and people power. “Both parties have been working hard to make a strong base for themselves in the State. In fact, BJP National President Amit Shah has told he would stay in Karnataka for six months prior to the elections and PM Modi has also promised to launch a welfare programme from Bengaluru”, he said. When asked about  former MP and Congress leader A.H. Vishwanath joining JD(S), Deve Gowda said he respected the former MP as he was one of the influential leaders in this part of that State and added that neither he nor Vishwanath had got in touch to discuss on the matter.

Deve Gowda is on a three-day visit to Mysuru during which he is expected to hold talks with local leaders on strengthening the party in this old Mysuru region including Chamarajanagar ahead of 2018 Assembly polls.