Speaking to Deccan Herald from Bhadravathi amidst the din of crackers, drum beats et al, the Lok Sabha MP from Shimoga - who is expected to spoil the pitch for both BJP and Congress in the coming State Assembly elections - said he would tour parts of Shimoga district on Wednesday followed by Haveri, before taking a break to attend the ongoing Parliament session.
Later, he plans to start on another leg, covering Belgaum and Bidar. “SP will give a good fight this time round. I will wait for other (parties) to take up their campaign rounds and supersede it with our campaign,” Mr Bangarappa said, sounding upbeat.
Speaking at Bhadravathi, Mr Bangarappa said his party would maintain equidistance from BJP, Congress and JD (S), and have any alliance only post-poll. Candidates for 130 Assembly segments had been finalised, he added.
On his contesting for the Assembly this time, he said he had invitations from at least 30 segments, and would announce his decision by the end of April.
He also announced free power for farmers’ irrigation pumpsets up to 10 HP, and continuation of other welfare measures implemented during his tenure as Karnataka Chief Minister, if his party is voted to power.