I'll model my party on Mayawati's BSP

BELLARY: B Sriramulu, who is nursing the idea of floating his regional party, is treading cautiously and wants to wait for some more time before taking the plunge. In an interview, he not only confirmed the formation of a
regional party , he also said he wanted to emulate BSP's Mayawati and take both upper and lower caste people into confidence to break the jinx of regional outfits not doing well in Karnataka.Excerpts:
Have you decided to float a new party?
Yes, I'll do it after December 4. Before that I want to consult various leaders, sections and intellectuals in the society. I am waiting for G Janaradhana Reddy's release.
It's said you want to join the JD(S)...
No. I'll never make the mistake of joining any party. I want to have my own independent party.
What's the name of the party? Will it be a branch of YSR Congress?
No. It'll have an independent name and symbol.
Why did your relationship with former CM B S Yeddyurappa and the BJP turn sour?
The relationship started worsening when Yeddyurappa and BJP started encouraging a rival mining baron from the district who always supported the Congress. The BJP leaders made us spend money to win the elections and after that they sidelined and neglected us. We're upset by the use-and-throw policy of BJP leaders.
If assembly elections are announced in the near future, how will you build your party?
I know my strength and weaknesses - today, I can win 25 to 30 seats.
Do you want to carve out a vote-bank of your own community and other backward groups in the state?
I want to follow the more refined experiment of BSP's Mayawati. The Karnataka situation is different and division among people and communities on social lines is not so deep as it is in Uttar Pradesh. Karnataka has a history of change like the one led by Basavanna and they have narrowed the gap between upper and lower castes, I don't have any doubts about higher caste people accepting me. I want to revolutionize Karnataka politics through my outfit which will have representation of all social groups and leaders. I'm aware of regional experiments failing in Karnataka. I'll tread cautiously and won't take any hasty decisions.
Will we see the downfall of the BJP government in the near future in case you win the election?
If I make up my mind, I can do it but I do not want to do this . Even now, there are many legislators in BJP who are with me.
How many?
There are around 25-30.
Are you feeling orphaned given that Janardhana Reddy is in jail?
Definitely. He used to fight elections for me. Initially, I was scared about facing elections with a band of BJP and Congress leaders against me, but now I'm confident of winning.