After a couple of weeks of campaigning, what is your gut feeling?
We will have a very solid victory. The confidence comes from the kind of election machine in the party, with six powerful leaders, including ministers Byrati Suresh and Krishna Byre Gowda, BJP MLA S T Somashekar putting in all efforts. We will get a spectacular lead in Pulikeshinagar. In Malleswaram, where we are relatively weak, the party workers’ enthusiasm I witnessed in roadshows is incredible.
You are pitted against a central minister...
It doesn’t make a difference as Shobhakka did not make any impression as a minister. Tell me about her contributions. She had no concern for farmers who were hit by drought. BJP has a habit of bringing people from outside as there is no homegrown talent. This time they were forced to shift her here because there were huge protests against her with ‘Go Back’ slogans that indicate massive anti-incumbency because of non-delivery. But replacing one person with another (Sadananda Gowda) with the worst track record means BJP has taken Bangalore North for granted. People will teach them a lesson. Congress selected a ‘mannina maga’ (son of the soil) like me. I am ‘mane maga’ here as I have relatives and extended family members. People give me a lot of affection.
Will BJP’s internal bickering help you?
Of course, it’s a blessing in disguise. The party chose me as a person who can get votes from the other side, the BJP. Yes, I am trying capitalising through standard political activity. Any right-thinking BJP voter who cares for development will vote for me.
The BJP is a well-oiled organisation which is tough to break...
Agree. Real efforts should be done at the booth level. We have to make sure of it.
Will guarantees help you?
We are the party that has given so much empowerment to women, now the AICC manifesto has promised Rs 1 lakh to every woman through the ‘Mahalaxmi’ scheme. We are giving the guarantees because of the failure of the BJP government at the Centre to check price rise and unemployment. It’s interesting that my opponent is a woman and the vast majority of women will vote for me rather than her.
You accused Shobha Karandlaje of being involved in an ED case?
ED has a case against her and I laid the fact before the people as it was mentioned in her affidavit.
What are your promises for Bengaluru?
Better transportation to check traffic, drinking water, education and health. We should bring in a new paradigm to nurture the growth of the city in a sustainable and inclusive manner.