SHIVAMOGGA: Despite a united campaign by Congress and JD(S) for Madhu Bangarappa, BJP’s candidate for Shivamogga bypolls B Y Raghavendra is confident of victory. In an interview with The New Indian Express, the 52-year-old couldn’t help drawing a comparison between the scheduled November 3 bypolls and his 2009 Lok Sabha polls conquest when he defeated Madhu’s father and former chief minister Sarekoppa Bangarappa. Excerpts:
What is working to your advantage in this bypoll?
Firstly, the organisational structure of the BJP. We had created Panna Pramukhs for every booth in the assembly elections, ensuring a strong network of foot soldiers. Secondly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular schemes like LPG connections. In Shivamogga alone, 30,000 families have benefitted from Ujwala scheme. Add to that, the development works under B S Yeddyurappa as an MP, MLA and Chief Minister. I am also relying on works that have happened during my stint as an MP as well as MLA.
Either you or B S Yeddyurappa contesting polls from Shivamogga has been pointed out by Congress and JD(S). Does it disappoint your party?
We don’t indulge in dynasty politics. Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda is the JD(S) national president and his son is the Chief Minister. His other son holds a powerful portfolio, his relative D C Thammanna is a minister, his daughter-in-law Anitha Kumaraswamy is party candidate in Ramanagara. I have not been given the seat because I am Yeddyurappa’s son. My public life began with ABVP when I was a student.
As the son of a former CM, what are you relying on apart from your father’s legacy?
I have been an MP earlier too. I was instrumental in implementing the Shivamogga-Talguppa railway line conversion to broad gauge at Rs 175 crore. Kendriya Vidyalaya school was brought to Shivamogga and dams and bridges were constructed.I am confident people recognise my work.
Will a united Congress-JD(S) dent your prospects?
This is not the first time I am facing a straight contest. When I contested against S Bangarappa, it was a straight fight. Shivamogga has elected Congress leaders as MPs 12 times. It is an insult that Congress has no candidates and needs another party’s help.
Do you have absolute support of the BJP? Is Yeddyurappa the lone ranger in the BJP?
I have 101 per cent support of the party. As soon as the polls were announced, senior leaders like Bhanuprakash, K S Eshwarappa and D H Shankaramurthy chose me. The core committee decided on my name. We are all working together under the leadership of Yeddyurappa. You won’t find such unity is any other party.
Do you have a victory margin in mind?
I won’t put a number to it. There are 2002 booths in eight seats and I will get a majority in every booth.
Do you look at Madhu Bangarappa as a tough competition?
By giving up this seat to Madhu, Congress has brought about its own destruction. It doesn’t need the BJP anymore to uproot it, JD(S) will do that just fine. Madhu lost from Soraba and went missing the last four months. He resurfaced only after he was announced as a candidate. Whereas I am working among people.