Bengaluru, Nov 4: Campaigning for the December 5 bypolls, that will determine the future of the BJP government in the state, ended at 6pm on Tuesday, with leaders of political parties making last-ditch bids to woo voters.
The byelections saw BJP seeking votes for “stability”, while the Congress and the JD(S) urged the electorate to defeat the disqualified legislators responsible for the collapse of their coalition government. The campaign was marked by vitriolic attacks and counters and use of derogatory language and objectionable remarks, that forced the Election Commission to step in and lodge cases.
For the BJP, chief minister BS Yediyurappa led from the front, while CLP leader Siddaramaiah spearheaded Congress’ efforts. The JD(S) campaign was led by former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, while his father and party patriarch HD Deve Gowda also campaigned in a few constituencies.
Yediyurappa downplayed speculation of a fresh Congress-JD(S) alliance if the BJP failed to retain its majority after the bypolls, insisting he would be at the helm to present a “pro farmer” budget in February.
“I’m confident we will be able to provide a stable government in Karnataka and present a budget in February,” the CM told reporters in Hubballi on Tuesday. “My intention is to see farmers emerge from their difficulties and lead a peaceful life. I will try and find solutions to their problems and announce new programmes in the budget. I’m also committed to dispensing good administration.”
He said Congress and JD(S) were “only making statements” about a possible tie-up, but there was nothing happening on the ground. The CM said, in a way, both parties have already conceded defeat by not fielding a candidate in the Rajya Sabha bypoll.
“Congress and JD(S) could not field a consensus candidate against our candidate KC Ramamurthy for the Rajya Sabha byelection. By doing so, they have already accepted defeat, so where is the question of Yediyurappa resigning?” he said.
Yediyurappa said heads will roll in Congress after the bypolls. “Most functionaries will seek resignations of Siddaramaiah and Dinesh Gundurao as the leader of opposition and state president.... We will win 15 seats. They can be peaceful until then at least.”
Siddaramaiah, who is also facing rebellion in the party, also downplayed a possible tieup with the JD(S) and the possibility of a dalit chief minister should an alliance be formed between the parties. “No, no such thing, high command will discuss and decide about it,” Siddaramaiah.
On former MP Mallikarjun Kharge’s recent comment that he would give “good news” after the bypolls results, Siddaramaiah said, “.... it means we (Congress) will win in 15 seats.”
Several Congress leaders including Kharge have said the party is not averse to joining hands with the JD(S) again to form a government, even as there were mixed signals from the regional party on the issue.
JD(S) Legislature Party leader HD Kumaraswamy continued to remain noncommittal on a tie-up. “I will not talk about politics till December 9 [when results will be announced]. I am certain people appreciate the work I have done in the last 14 months, including farm loan waivers and we will secure at least six of the 12 seats we are contesting,” he said.
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