Journalism of Courage
By K Chandramohan
Former Karnataka minister B Sriramulu, the Bellary Reddy brothers’ aide whose re-entry to the BJP has been opposed by Sushma Swaraj, is the prospective candidate for that seat. He had quit the BJP in 2012 when the CBI closed in on several of his associates for their involvement in the mining scam. In this interview, he speaks about his political future:
Sushma Swaraj was your mentor once. What do you make of her opposition to your return?
Sushmaji is like my mother. I was her campaign head during the 1999 elections. Now she may have reservations about my return. I don’t consider her stand as being opposed to me. A national party has so many problems… I will seek an appointment with her and convey my greetings.
What made you leave the BJP and form the BSR Congress?
Certain circumstances led to my leaving. To uphold territorial integrity and ensure regional development I began an independent journey with people’s blessings. I conducted padyatras, I came across so many problems faced by the people and decided to be their servant.
What then made you return?
India is in deep trouble. It is economically weak, its defence is in a crisis, there is political instability, a slow growth rate. The only man who can put the nation back on track is Narendra Modi ji.
What can Modi do as PM?
He had a very humble beginning in his life. He is a patriot and made Gujarat a super-state. He is a visionary leader who can make India a superpower.
Have you consulted G Janardhan Reddy about your return to the BJP?
Janardhan Reddy, his brothers and I began our political lives together. Whatever decision I have taken, it has been after discussion with him.
What fate do you see for Reddy after these elections, which are being fought on the issue of corruption?
Everything will be okay after elections. Corruption is an issue and the need of the hour is to throw the scam-ridden Congress out of power and bring back BJP rule.
