Davanagere, April 4 – The upcoming election in the Davanagere South constituency in Karnataka will be a key indicator for the country, said Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways, V. Somanna, on Saturday. He asserted that the BJP candidate, Srinivas Dasakariappa, will win.
Speaking to the press, Somanna said: “The Congress has given tickets to the third generation. How many more generations will they field in elections?”
He added that the election in Davanagere is crucial for the self-respect and future of minorities, and that the BJP's victory will be a preview of the country's future. Srinivas Dasakariappa, an engineering graduate, will win, he expressed confidence.
“There was a feeling among people that only one family wins elections. But this time, the BJP's victory will heal that pain,” he said.
The minority vote is crucial in Davanagere, and they are sending a message that they will teach the Congress a lesson.
“I have seen and faced many elections, but the current situation in Davanagere is unprecedented. Everything will be decided on April 9,” he added.
Somanna said that Davanagere is no longer Karnataka's Manchester, as there has been no development. “This is an election for self-respect. Davanagere needs development, and the BJP's victory will ensure that,” he stated.
“One family thinks they are the only ones who can win, but that is not the path. It is a dead end,” he said, referring to veteran Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa's family. Shivashankarappa's grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun, has been fielded by the Congress party. Samarth’s father is a cabinet minister, and his mother is a Congress MP.
Former MP G.M. Siddeshwara has contributed a lot to Davanagere, and the BJP's victory will continue that development, Somanna noted.
“I have done a lot for the railway sector in Karnataka. I have implemented many projects, but Siddaramaiah criticises me. Let him come to my Delhi office and see how I work,” he said.
“We have never engaged in appeasement politics. Siddaramaiah should stop talking with a narrow mindset and respect the Chief Minister’s position. He should not unnecessarily criticise the PM and Union Ministers,” he added.