MYSURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah went an extra mile to woo dominant Vokkaligas in Chamundeshwari clarifying that he is neither a casteist nor anti-Vokkaliga as branded by his political rivals. “I am a humanist as most of my government’s programmes were aimed at catering to poor of all sections of the society,” Siddaramaiah asserted.
Addressing the Vokkaliga rally in Chamundeshwari constituency here on Friday, the Chief Minister said many have conspired to brand him “Aahinda leader” and “arrogant”. However, Siddaramaiah said he has managed to address the problems and focus on welfare of farming communities in his budgets that benefited cross section of society.
Admitting that his language is rough and not polished like others, he said: “I have concern for the people, and have respect for elders and common man.”He listed out his populous programmes like Anna Bhagya, Ksheera Bhagya, free shoe, laptop and bus pass to students, Anila Bhagya and said all his programmes were for all and not for particular cast or sect.Turning his attention towards Varuna canal, he said it was he who completed the Varuna canal project. Does it benefit farmers of a particular caste, he asked.
Clarifying that he will not bow down to the mis-information campaign or threats of his rivals, Siddaramaiah maintained that he is under pressure to contest from North Karnataka so that it would help the Congress candidates in the region.
Recalling his association with Varuna constituency, he was confident that he will win if he just files nomination papers from the constituency. But, come what may, I have decided to contest from Chamundeshwari, he added.He said people of the constituency have nurtured him for the last 40 years to scale up in public life and gave him political rebirth in byelection to Chamundeshwari constituency in 2006.