MYSURU: Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told the defeated Congress MLAs not to lose heart and gear up for 2019 Lok Sabha polls.Presiding over a meeting to introspect Congress’ defeat in Mysuru district, Siddaramaiah directed defeated Congress candidates not to disconnect with people as the Lok Sabha polls are around the corner and the party wants to regain its lost ground.
He gave a patient hearing to many of the defeated candidates. Siddaramaiah told newly-elected H D Kote MLA Anil Chikkamadu to strengthen his bond with voters in the constituency.However, Periyapatna Congress candidate K Venkatesh said that it was shocking that a particular community did not vote for Congress in Periyapatna. He said that the BJP fielding a weak candidate and transfer of votes of few communities to JD (S) helped it wrest the seat.Hunsur MLA H P Manjunath said that over confidence among party workers and leaders led to his defeat in Hunsur .
Chamaraja MLA Vasu charged that few within the party sabotaged and worked for his defeat. Siddaramaiah told Vasu to lodge a compliant with the KPCC chief and press for action so that it is not repeated in the future.However, there was no discussion on defeat in Chamundeshwari constituency or district Minister H C Mahadevappa’s defeat in T Narsipur constituency.
Siddaramaiah said that the Congress has won Jayanagar seat for the good work done by his government and party. He clarified that the victory is not because of the coalition government in the state.
Recalling his days as a lecturer at Vidyavardhaka Law College, Siddaramaiah said, “Once upon a time I was a popular lecturer.”
When asked about former Minister Chimannakatti’s remark that Siddaramaiah looked like a 21-year-old groom and not 71, Siddaramaiah said that it was quite embarrassing for him. However, I am young at heart, he quipped.