Bypolls no referendum: Brave-faced KPCC chief

Bengaluru: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, Dr G. Parameshwar, on Tuesday declared the results of by-elections to two Assembly seats will not be considered a referendum on performance of the state government, nor will they have any bearing on the ruling party.

He told the media here: "The electorate has given us a mandate for a five-year term in 2013. Hence, there is no question of interpreting the results of these constituencies as a referendum." He, however, added that the Congress will deploy several leaders to ensure victory for party candidates in Gundlupet and Nanjangud. "We have our strategy in place, and will work accordingly," he added.

According to him, a minister will be deployed in each of 12 zilla panchayat constituencies wards under these two Assembly constituencies, while a KPCC office bearer will manage the show in each gram panchayat ward. "Thus, we will ensure that each and every corner of these constituencies are swarming with our party leaders to ensure victory of our party candidates," he added.

In response to a question, he declared the Congress had a strategy in place for several decades, and not evolved overnight keeping in mind the outcome of elections in Uttar Pradesh. "BJP state president, B.S. Yeddyurappa is day dreamer, who often dreams of making Karnataka a Congress free-state. But I can assure him that he will not be able achieve it here," he added.

Answering a question, Dr Parameshwar said the issue of appointment of a new PCC president or giving him an another term of extension will be decided in New Delh, and not here. "I am ready for both," he added.