MANDYA: Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, responding to a question on the Channapatna bypoll ticket, on Sunday clarified that there’s no confusion on the issue. He stated that JD(S) has a strong presence in Channapatna and it’s a well-known fact even in Delhi. “If there is a fair discussion, we should get the Channapatna ticket”, he said.
Kumaraswamy expressed confidence that Channapatna will go to JD(S), citing the party’s strength in the region. He added that discussions are under way and a decision will be made soon.
Regarding C P Yogeshwar’s potential independent candidacy, Kumaraswamy said it was not discussed with him, but that he’s aware of media reports on the issue.
He said that Yogeshwar also expressed his desire to contest the election. “If there is a fair discussion, Channapatna should come to us. Out of the three constituencies, the BJP candidate has announced candidates in two constituencies. The Channapatna issue should be decided in favour of our party. The same is being discussed. There is a meeting about this today”, he noted.
Among the three constituencies which will witness bypolls, Channapatna has a huge number of JD(S) workers. “In order to win, we gave the Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency to the BJP. We fielded our own family members as BJP candidates”, Kumaraswamy said.
Kumaraswamy said that such generosity should also come from the BJP side and hinted that Yogeshwar should be allowed to contest under the JDS symbol.He said that the candidate will be announced today.
Kumaraswamy said he suspects Congress is trying to create confusion and dividing. He emphasized that JDS won’t give up easily and will fight to win. “They are waiting to create differences between us. Congress cannot win on its own. They are trying hard to create division for that. I am patient not to allow such an opportunity. They said that there are 4 more days and they will discuss it soon”, he added.
Responding to Deputy CM D K Shivakumar’s statement that JD(S) had left Channapatna, Kumaraswamy said, “Did we accept sannyastva (monasticism) without fighting? We will do whatever is needed to win the election”.