Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of discriminating against States ruled by non-BJP allies, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda said that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Mr. Modi, had given approval to ₹1,423-crore highway project in Andhra Pradesh, but had left out States like Karnataka.

“Are not people in our State paying tax?” he asked at a press conference here on Monday. He said Odisha, ruled by Biju Janata Dal (BJD), had not been given adequate funds when a cyclonic storm had hit the State. He underlined the need for strong regional parties, such as what exists in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, that could protect local interests.

Assembly polls

Mr. Gowda said the JD(S) has enough candidates to field in all the 28 Parliament and 224 Assembly segments. “We will fight the elections on our own, without joining hands with national parties,” he said.

The party has set a month’s deadline for ticket aspirants to prove their strength in constituencies they represent.

Ticket has been assured for all the sitting MLAs, and candidates have already been decided for certain constituencies. “A meeting of aspirants has been organised on October 11 and deadlines will be given to them,” said Mr. Gowda, adding that candidates for all the 28 Assembly constituencies in Bengaluru has been decided.