Rejecting pre-poll surveys that gave an edge to the opposition Congress in the May 10 assembly polls in the state, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday exuded confidence that his party would emerge victorious with the BJP “comfortable majority” and the JD(S) Will retain power without the support of ,
In an interview to PTI, Bommai said whether he would continue as chief minister in case the saffron party comes to power or not, would be decided by the BJP high command and its parliamentary board.
He also said that former chief minister Jagadish Shettar, who joined the Congress after being denied a BJP ticket to contest again from Hubballi-Dharwad Central, would lose this time. Whereas, 14 defectors who helped the BJP bring down the Congress-JD(S) government in 2019 will win from their respective constituencies.
Bommai also alleged that the Congress has taken the election discussion to a “very low level”.
“There was no edge for the Congress. We know how to conduct surveys. I am expecting a comfortable majority,” Bommai said, and the party may not need JD(S) support.
“Absolutely no chance (of taking JD(S) support). We will get absolute majority.”
Asked whether Shettar’s exit would affect Lingayat votes, the chief minister said, “Absolutely not.” We will win Shettar’s seat.” The influential Lingayats form 17 per cent of Karnataka’s population.
“Given his background and track record, this is acceptable to some supporters of neither the BJP nor the Congress. So, it’s not a completely organic change for Shettar.”
On caste-based quota, he said that internal reservation and other things under OBC were long pending demands and I have addressed them.
Earlier many people were deprived of this benefit because reservation was not given according to the population. He said that the people of those sections have now got hopes from the internal reservation.
“We have recommended internal reservation; Ultimately it is for the Government of India to decide.”
Ahead of the elections, the state government created two new categories of OBCs to include Lingayats and Vokkaligas to provide them the benefits of reservation.
Rejecting Congress’ allegation of 40 per cent commission against his government, Bommai challenged, “Let the press or the opposition or the contractors’ association show a case (against our government). I will reply. Added.
Asserting that the Congress has taken the election debate to a very low level, Bommai said BJP MLA Basangounda Patil Yatnal’s ‘Visha Kanya’ remark, aimed at former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, was “not normal”. Very low level by the Congress.” “It started with the Congress. The Vish Sarp (venomous snake) remark was not made on anyone but (the Prime Minister) Narendra Modi By AICC President (Mallikarjun Kharge). This is how the reaction comes. You can’t get away with saying,” he said.
Asked if he was emerging as a prominent Lingayat leader after BS Yediyurappa, Bommai said, the party now had a battery of leaders. “All are leaders, nothing is said in the second line.” The CM is seeking re-election for the fourth consecutive term from Shiggaon constituency in Haveri district. The Congress has fielded Yasir Ahmad Khan Pathan from the constituency, while Shashidhar Yeligar, a Panchamshali Lingayat, is the JD(S)’s choice.
Asked whether he is worried about a triangular fight in his constituency with JD(S) candidate Bommai, a sadar Lingayat said this question has been raised by the press for the last 15 years.
“Every time, they (people) have voted for me. He has more love and affection for all families than political ties. Therefore, I am sure that all sections of the society and all castes will vote for me.”
On the issues of water and drainage in the constituency, he said that these are the issues of Gram Panchayat. “They are temporary and will resolve later.” Highlighting the development works done in Shiggaon, he said that about 2,000 kms of roads have been constructed. There is no other constituency,” he said.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)