Four candidates of major political parties for the ensuing by - election from Chamundeshwari Constituency were brought together on a single platform to share their views today. In all, there are 14 candidates in fray for this prestigious by - election. Mysore District Journalists Association (MDJA) had organised a Meet – the - Press programme at Pathrakarthara Bhavan here at Mysore where former Deputy Chief Minister Siddharamaiah (Congress), A. S. Guruswamy (JD-U), Shivabasappa (JD - S) and B. Karunakar (Samajawadi Party) took part.
By - poll inevitable:
Referring to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by an NGO, which was dismissed by the High Court, Siddharamaiah said that in a democratic country, if an MLA is harassed and mentally tortured, he has no option but to resign and by-election becomes inevitable.
Chamundeshwari by - election is very prestigious, as it has attracted national attention. JD (S) may have fielded a candidate supported by BJP, but the voters cannot be wooed by false promises and money, he opined.
Recalling the results of earlier elections, he said, “Out of six attempts, I had won four and the voters are nurtured with a personal touch. No casteism or gimmicks work in Chamundeshwari Constituency. JD (S) leaders claim that black money flows freely during polls. It may be true in their case but not in my case as I am devoid of any power now.”
Siddharamaiah pooh-poohed the claim of JD (S) supremo H. D. Deve Gowda that a Third Front would emerge after this by-poll.
Not new to politics:
The JD (S) - BJP candidate Shivabasappa declared that he was not new to active politics as others think. 'I am familiar with the voters of the Constituency and confident of winning,' he said reiterating that he was neither chosen based on any principles of caste nor under pressure. Voters are sensible and they can choose the right person, he observed.
Prestigious one:
JD (S) candidate A.S. Guruswamy opined that getting into different shoes in political life was inevitable.
"I rose step by step in politics. Voters can assess the individual and cannot be conned by gimmicks. They are aware of the happenings. Both Siddharamaiah and I were ill treated by JD (S) leaders and had to call it a day. The by - election is viewed as the most prestigious one. I stand by my principles and will not go back under any situation," he reiterated.
Purely accidental:
Samajawadi Party candidate B. Karunakar said that his coming to the fray was purely accidental with the blessings of the Party leader S. Bangarappa. It is already proved on earlier occasion that no party or candidate can be underestimated in an election. The voters are the deciding authority and Samajawadi party will surely carve a niche in the by-poll, he felt.
After the interaction, all the four candidates had an informal chat and exchanged pleasantries. Several electronic media personnel also participated.
MDJA President Amshi Prasana Kumar was present.
