Riding on Modi wave, Angadi eyes fourth win

Three-time MP and BJP nominee from Belgaum parliamentary seat, Suresh Angadi, is touring the constituency extensively, seeking votes in the name of ‘Narendra Modi PM again’ and the work he had carried out in his segment during his three terms.

Raju Gavali of DH caught up with Angadi during his campaign at Umathar village in Ramdurg taluk.

Eyeing a fourth consecutive win in Belgaum, did you notice any anti-incumbency in the constituency. What’s the response of voters during your campaigns?

Like in most of the constituencies in the country, the voters of Belgaum segment too had resolved to have Narendra Modi as prime minister again. There is definitely a Modi wave in the constituency and it will benefit me in the election. I don’ see any anti-incumbency factor. In my last three terms as MP, I have made sure the central schemes and programmes reach people.

Congress has pitted a new face Dr Virupakshappa Sadhunavar against you?

Congress candidate Dr Sadhunavar is a non-entity in the constituency. This time I will poll more votes than I did in the 2014 election and the victory margin will be bigger.

Bailhongal, Saundatti, and Ramdurg taluks in the district have been reeling under drinking water woes. There were obviously very high expectations from you for speedy implementation Mahadayi project. Your take?

Mahadayi River Dispute Tribunal has given its verdict, and the state and the central governments have to take measures to implement the award. I will press for the speedy implementation of the Mahadayi river diversion project to meet the drinking water requirements of the parched regions in the district and neighbouring districts. After the election, a proposal in this regard will be taken up with the state and Centre. I will make sincere efforts to draw Mahadayi water to the parched portions of the district and the neighbouring districts.

The constituency is facing unemployment and migration for work issues. Do you have any programmes to ease out youth unemployment?

The district houses large numbers of sugar factories, but lags in other industries. With agriculture being the primary occupation in the district, food processing and allied industries are the need of the hour. Also, value addition to the farm produce will generate employment and more income for the farmers. If re-elected, I will make efforts to provide industrial stimulus, of course with Centre’s assistance, to enable the young entrepreneurs to set up small-scale units. This will generate jobs and prevent migration.