"I decided to join Congress because that is the only forum capable of fighting communalism left in the country now,"

says Ivan D'Souza, speaking to Richie Lasrado, exclusively for Daijiworld.com.

At a press conference in the city just a few days ago, you declared, in the presence of former minister B A Moidin, that, in no circumstances, you would change your party, but stay with the AIPJD. What made you change your mind all of a sudden ?

We had clearly told the state AIPJD leaders that the party had to retain its separate identity until the last. But in spite of it they decided to join the BJP-led NDA, which was totally against the secularist principles of the party. I decided to join Congress because that is the only forum left to fight communalism in the country. When I was the chairman of the Cashew Development Corporation, the moment I came to know that the then chief minister J H Patel was planning to have a tie-up with the NDA, I quit the post. Similary, Mr Moidin also resigned from the cabinet solely on the question of joining hands with the BJP-led NDA. Now many leaders of the party had joined the BJP and those not willing to compromise on anti-communal stand had to join Congress.

Your former party colleagues are upset that you joined Congress without consulting them.

It is not that I did not consult. Only those in the AIPJD who were earlier in Congress and now do not want to go back to Congress are the ones opposing our joining it.

The Janata Dal in its original, united form was an ideal plank for the secular people of the state, who wanted an alternative for both Congress and the BJP. At one stage, there was a feeling that no one could shake the JD government in Karnataka. But the situation is pathetic now. What according you is the cause for the mess?

Some leaders of both JD (S) and AIPJD have failed the people. If the Janata Parivar is in a mess, it is only because of the ego clashes and personal agendas. Leaders like M P Prakash and P G R Sindhia are the ones who were responsible for splitting the original Janata Dal and striking an alliance with the BJP-led NDA. And they are the same ones who are in JD (S), and they cannot be expected to fight against the communal policies represented by the BJP. With such people, there cannot be any effective protection against communalism. 

Now that you are in Congress, what are your immediate plans ?

I have joined Congress with a commitment to oppose communalism. It is a mission and a force. Anti-communal forces should all come to the mainstream and join together to stop the communalization of the country.

In the Janata Dal, which was a smaller working area, you had adequate scope to develop into a good leader. Now you have taken a plunge into the Congress where there are too many leaders. How will you reconcile with the new environment ?

It depends on individuals. I am aware that I may have to adjust with others. I will stick to my principles. I will continue to serve the society and not seek power. Of course, power is an instrument to serve the people. But that is not all.

In case you are given a ticket for the Mangalore assembly constituency, with so many aspirants around for tickets, es