Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said the outcome of the Uttar Pradesh elections will not have any impact on the Nanjangud bypoll.
The Congress won nine times from this constituency and former Minister V. Srinivas Prasad had also won on the party symbol. Therefore, even this time, the Congress’ win is certain, he said.
With the announcement of the bypoll dates, political activities have gained momentum in Mysuru. Nanjangud bypoll has become a prestige battle between Mr. Siddaramaiah and Mr. Prasad, who was removed from the Cabinet last year. Mr. Prasad later quit the Congress and joined the BJP.
On being asked whether it has become a personal battle between him and Mr. Prasad, the Chief Minister said sarcastically: “He is a tall leader. I’ll not speak about such leaders.”
Mr. Siddaramaiah, accompanied by Minister for Public Works H.C. Mahadevappa, Minister for Higher Education Basavaraj Rayaraddi and Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Tanveer Sait, met Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami at Suttur Mutt here.
Congress candidates from Nanjangud (reserved) constituency and Gundlupet, Kalale Keshavamurthy and Geetha Mahadeva Prasad, respectively, were present.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said the central leadership will take a final decision on Mr. Keshavamurthy’s candidature.
On the State budget, he said the poll code of conduct in view of bypolls will not come in the way of tabling the 2017-18 budget. Despite polls in five States, the Union Budget was presented. The BJP is trying to create a rift over the issue, he said.
Mr. Keshavamurthy, who quit the JD(S) and joined the Congress recently after being assured of ticket for Nanjangud segment, said he was fighting the bypolls on people’s insistence.
Responding to JD(S) president H.D. Kumaraswamy’s jibe at him for leaving the party and joining hands with the Congress, he said: “His words are like blessings to me.”
Ms. Geetha said her husband’s good work in Gundlupet was her strength and would work in favour of her victory. “The victory will be of the Congress,” she said.
