UPA against regional parties, says Deve Gowda

PUNE: H D Deve Gowda, former prime minister and president of Janata Dal (secular) said here on Sunday that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government has deliberately attempted to discourage regional parties in the political sphere. Gowda termed this a major mistake of the UPA, saying that regional parties were closer to the common man than national parties.
Speaking at a state-level meeting of the JD(S) in the city, Gowda said, "Everybody is aware of what is happening in Karnataka.The JD(S), as a part of its efforts to garner strength, is focusing on zilla parishad elections in Maharashtra, which are crucial in the rural areas and considered to be the ladder leading toward assembly elections."
"Regional parties will rise again and show national parties that they (national parties) are not the only voice of people. A change is needed and it can be started from the upcoming elections in the state, where the party is set to field its candidates. The state unit of the JD (S) will focus on the various constituencies where the party has a strong position."
Commenting over the situation in the country, he said, "It is not just the political leadership that is facing charges of corruption; the finger is pointed towards the bureaucracy and judiciary as well. Unfortunately, a few mediapersons are also being suspected of being a part of some fraudulent activities. In the same period, the country is being challenged by inflation, but nobody is serious about it."
He also maintained that critics have termed his party as one with no future, but it would show its strength in the coming months.