The twice - elected BJP candidate C. H. Vijayashankar is seeking re - election to Lok Sabha in the re-drawn Mysore - Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency. Despite hectic poll campaign across the constituency, Vijayashankar took time off to talk to Star of Mysore.

What are the factors that would help you win the elections?
The achievements of the previous NDA Government at the Centre and the programmes undertaken by the Yeddyurappa Government in the State now have laid a strong foundation for my win. (i) The people of the country have not forgotten the steps taken by the Vajpayee Government for the security of the nation and the priority given for development. The Vajpayee Government implemented POTA to curb terrorism and made known to the world India's capability by con-ducting nuclear test in Pokhran. Its performance was no less in terms of development as well. The execution of Swarna Jayanti programme for the betterment of National Highways, Gram Sadak scheme to provide good road link to villages, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Swajala drinking water scheme, mid-day hot meals scheme, holding price line, adequate supply of cooking gas, revolutionary changes brought about in telecommunication etc., are still afresh in the minds of people.
(ii) Various pro - people programmes undertaken by the Yeddyurappa - led BJP Government will play a significant role in my win. Many of his schemes and the special interest shown by Yeddyurappa for the development of Mysore will all come to my aid in winning the elections.
The Rs. 100 crore special package for Mysore, the proposal for providing a heritage package, the celebration of Dasara as a “Naada Habba”, allocation of grant for railway track doubling, financial support for construction of airport and several other programmes too stand as a backbone for my win.

Whether constituency delimitation will help or prove detrimental to you?
The delimitation is helpful to me. The K. R. Nagar, H. D. Kote and Varuna Assembly segments which earlier were part of the constituency and which proved to be tough ones for me, have now been shifted to other Lok Sabha constituencies. Of the three, K. R. Nagar Assembly segment was responsible for my defeat in 1999. Even H. D. Kote placed me in third position in the previous three LS elections and Varuna Assembly segment too was not favourable to me. Mysore city, Hunsur and Periyapatna which were part of the constituency and continue to be so even now, have played a significant role in my victory.

Kodagu being a new addition, do you find it hard to feel the pulse of the voters there?
Kodagu has always supported the BJP when it came to national issues. Kodagu, which was earlier part of Mangalore LS constituency, has given its verdict in favour of BJP candidates Dhananjay Kumar and later Sadananda Gowda. Kodagu is the land of National unity and patriotism and is the birth place of great warriors like Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa and General K. S. Thimmayya. The enlightened voters in this land of discipline are inclined towards BJP. Hopefully, the people of Kodagu will give me a chance to serve them which includes providing them an efficient road network.

Don't you think that Kodagu lags behind in development?
It is true that the coffee crop, which is the main source of income for Kodagu people, is now undergoing difficult times. Orange and cardamom which were important crops earlier are slowly vanishing. Hence coffee must be encouraged. Though Kodagu being a land of soldiers, the ex-servicemen have not been provided appropriate rehabilitation. I will call a meeting of local representatives soon after the elections and formulate an action plan for their welfare.

Do you support the demand for declaring Kodagu as a heritage region?
I have come to understand that a UNICEF team has visited the region in this regard. But any decision in this cannot be taken without conducting a detailed study and without getting people's opinion.

What are your priorities if re - elected?
The water resources in the Cauvery basin are getting depleted and there are many reasons for this. But the main reason has to be discovered at the earliest. Even borewells have dried up and Malnad, which was once a very wet region, is turning into a barren land. All these changes have occurred in the last 10 - 20 years. Even tourism too has taken a back seat and it is important to promote tourism, for which several measures have to be taken.

There are bigwigs in the fray. How are you different from them?
It does not matter who is big or small in election. What matters is how effective a person is as a leader and as a people's representative, who can implement effective projects. I am different for I am 100 % grassroot leader, who has over time learnt to be inclusive of all communities and with an ability to pick the most appropriate projects for a particular area and being able to implement it effectively. More importantly, I am much more approachable leader than my opponents. Hence my ears are guaranteed for people's problems.

Is not the caste factor playing a major role in this election like never before?
Caste issues will also be there. But the voter has to look at the bigger picture and vote keeping in mind the future of their children.

Has Mysore developed on expected lines?
The previous Governments that ruled the State and the UPA Government at the Centre have neglected the development of Mysore City, known as the cultural capital of the State. More than neglecting, they have in a way stalled the development of Mysore as a city of prominence. The doubling of Mysore - Bangalore railway track is in progress. The work on the first stage of airport construction will be completed in a couple of months. Upgradation of Railway workshop and goods shed and renovation of City Railway Station are my other achievements. The City Railway Station, which hitherto had only three platforms, has now been added with another one.

The rehabilitation of forest Adivasis precariously poised?
I have made a mention of this in my manifesto. Accordingly, I will make an honest effort in the coming days to provide all facilities meant for them by the Government.

Interview by M. Govinde Gowda
Courtesy: Star of Mysore