Gowda appoints Merajuddin as party chief ahead of transfer of power

Ahead of the scheduled transfer of power from the JD (S) to BJP in Karnataka, former Prime Minister and JD (S) supremo H D Deve Gowda has sought to exhibit his secular credentials by appointing a Muslim leader Merajuddin Patel as the President of the party’s state unit.

The appointment of Merajuddin Patel, an MLA from Humnabad in Bidar district, as the President of JD (S) Karnataka unit in place of Home Minister M P Prakash is seen a strategy by Gowda to woo minorities, who had drifted away from the party after its alliance with BJP.

Announcing Merajuddin Patel as the new party President in Karnataka at a convention of minorities at the party office in Bangalore, Gowda issued a veiled threat to the BJP by stating that his party will not allow the coalition Government to continue if the interests of minorities are not protected.

Pointing out that millions of Muslims reside in India, Gowda said neither the Federal Government nor the State Governments could function by ignoring the interests of such a large section of the society. “I will not hesitate to pull down the Government that works against the interests of minorities. I will not compromise on that front”, Gowda said.

Gowda said that Home Minister M P Prakash, who was holding additional charge as the President of the party’s state unit, had been pleading with the leadership to relieve him of one of the two posts, as he was unable to concentrate on both. But, the party was waiting for an appropriate time to concede his request.

“I have now decided to bestow the responsibility on Merajuddin Patel with the consent of Prakash”, Gowda said. Calling upon Merajuddin Patel to organize the party with new vigour, Gowda said “you have our full support in preparing the JD (S) for the political battles ahead. You have the blessings of Allah”, he told in front of the gathering at the convention of minorities.

Merajuddin Patel, who has a task cut out, expressed confidence of winning the hearts of minorities and building the party as an effective alternative to the Congress and BJP.

The distancing of the minorities from the JD (S) after its tie-up with the BJP in January 2006 had come as a big blow to the party. The JD (S) was unable to garner enough votes during by-elections to Chamundeshwari and Ullal assembly constituencies and lost both the polls to the Congress.