Despite dissidence over selection of candidates, Congress in the district has geared up for the first phase of Assembly elections scheduled to be held on May 10.
Though differences that cropped up after ticket distribution at Turuvekere, Kunigal, Pavagada, Tumkur City, Tumkur Rural, Sira constituencies have not yet been resolved the party leaders have stood united to face the Assembly elections.
The district Congress President S Shafi Ahmed discussed with this correspondent, the party’s stand and his opinions on the preparations for the polls.
Reasons for your failure in the previous three consecutive elections?
Success and failure are common in a contest. But I’m not the sole responsible for my failure in the previous elections. The failures should be attributed to the then government’s approaches, voters’ views and the political situation across the State.
Despite failure, there is steady improvement in the number of votes won in these elections.
What are the strategies to win the forthcoming elections?
Door-to-door campaigning and persuading the voters.
You have claimed that you would contest against Yeddyurappa if the latter was fielded from the constituency. But, the Congress High Command had decided to field Dr M R Hulinayakar against Yeddyurappa. What’s your say?
If Yeddyurappa had contested, I would certainly have contested against him.
Was there any need for introducing new face in the Tumkur City constituency?
Dr Rafeeq Ahmed Sheik is not new person to Tumkur. He studied here before going to foreign country for further studies. He has also been working as principal in HMS technical college. An alternative arrangement has been made when the previous candidates failed to make it in the elections.
Don’t you think son-in-law is also blood relative?
Not exactly. Only children are blood relatives and son-in-law can also be considered blood relative as he is married to own daughter.
Will you make Tumkur a ‘Metro’ if you win?
It’s a challenge. If Congress candidate is elected, Tumkur will be developed on the lines of metropolitan cities.
The party, if it’s brought to power, aims at getting more funds for providing infrastructure in the
district.
