Congress, JD(S) men working for me, I'm becoming powerful, says Madhu Bangarappa
In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Mr Madhu Bangarappa, the JD(S)-Congress coalition candidate for the Shivamogga Lok Sabha bypoll, spoke of his prospects and why the result of the bypoll would send a message to the rest of the country. Here are excerpts.
Considering the experience you gained in previous elections, how different is this election?
I cannot expect anything better than this. It is perfectly organised. Two national parties came forward to make me a consensus candidate, From the national to booth level, all leaders told me that I should contest, so I am the unanimous candidate. So, a network is ready and I have to go out and fight the election. The coalition government is doing a good job and CM H.D. Kumaraswamy has earned a good name. To top it, my father's followers are there in all parties, even in the BJP. So, they will back me.
Many say it is a fight between B.S. Yeddyurappa and H.D. Kumaraswamy, not between Madhu Bangarappa and B.Y. Raghavendra?
I don't think the election is between two leaders. This is about two political parties and their ideologies. The BJP is ruling and ruining the country. That is the issue before the people. Neither Mr Kumaraswamy nor Mr Yeddyurappa figure in this fight. The outcome of this election will send a message to the rest of India.
There are a lot of contradictions, like in Bhadravati where B.K. Sangamesh of Congress and Appaji Gowda of JD (S) can’t see eye to eye?
What you are referring to was already clarified by both leaders, Both Mr Sangamesh and Appaji Gowda have clarified before the media. They might work independently but they work for me, They are getting me votes. As a result, I am becoming more powerful. In Byndur, the JD (S) does not have a base but the Congress has. Mr Oscar Fernandes held a meeting and got the Congress party cadre energised to work for me.
Just because the Congress did not have a strong candidate, you were made the scapegoat?
(angrily) How can you say this? Harakeya Kuri (scapegoat) was first mentioned by K.S. Eshwarappa. What rubbish is this? Based on Eshwarappa's statement how can you ask the question? I am going to win. When others made me the candidate, they have the joint responsibility to ensure my victory. So, the question of scapegoat does not arise.
Does the caste calculation favour you?
It is a fact and it happens throughout India.
