Bharatiya Janata Party district unit president Mahesh Tenginkai expressed confidence that the party would come to power in the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC).
Speaking to presspersons here on Saturday, Mr. Tenginkai said that despite the setback faced by the party in the Assembly elections, it would get a comfortable majority in the HDMC.
Last time, the BJP got 33 seats in the corporation council, which was one short of a simple majority. An Independent helped the party clear the halfway mark.
He evaded questions about a possible alliance between the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) in time for the municipal polls.
‘Loss surprised us’
On the BJP’s performance in the Assembly elections, Mr. Tenginkai claimed the party was stronger in urban areas. Of three Assembly constituencies in the city limits, the BJP won two — Hubli-Dharwad Central and Hubli-Dharwad East. It also did well in the eight wards under Dharwad Assembly constituency. However, the party did poorly in Hubli-Dharwad East (SC), considered its stronghold. “The defeat has surprised us and we have to look into it,” he said.
In politics, victory and defeat were two sides of the same coin.
“This setback will encourage us to do some soul-searching and come out with remedial steps to strengthen the party before the general elections. The Congress’ defeat in general elections is certain, and we will prepare to ensure maximum seats for ourselves,” he added.
