Never lured voters with money: CM Siddaramaiah

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said that he never lured the voters by offering them money, liquor or arranging feast.

Speaking to reporters, after meeting Suttur seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami at the mutt in the city he reiterated that he will be contesting from Chamundeshwari Assembly segment in the upcoming election. JD(S) candidate, also sitting MLA G T Devegowda is contesting for the second time. "But, I have seen several elections from the segment. I know the ground reality and don't indulge in luring the voters. The people of the constituency will bless me for my works," Siddaramaiah said.

Pointing out the statements made by JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy, that he will give the best administration, Siddaramaiah said, "The JD(S) will never come to the power in the state. Kumaraswamy, after serving as the chief minister managed to win only 28 seats."

Siddaramaiah said that he had served as JD(S) state president for six years and he knew the strength of the party. Though the party won 40 seats in 2013 election, 11 MLAs are not in the party. This time, the JD(S) will get only 25 to 30 seats, the CM said.

Commenting on H D Deve Gowda's statement that no party will get majority and the state will go for re-election within three months, Siddaramaiah said, "Deve Gowda is in an illusion. The Congress party will return to power again."

Superstition

Siddaramaiah said that he is not bothered about superstition. "When I collapsed from a chair at a supporter's house in Mavinahalli, recently, the opposition leaders claimed that 'Siddaramaiah fell off the chair and he will fall in politics too. Earlier, it was believed that any CM visiting Chamarajanagar will lose power. I have already visited Chamarajanagar 12 times, and have completed my five year term successfully. Similarly, there were panel discussions when a crow sat on my official vehicle, but nothing happened," he said.

When reporters asked the CM about his son Dr Yathindra's candidature from Varuna Assembly segment, the CM said that high command will take a final decision.

Cauvery row

Reacting to the bandh call given by various pro-Kannada organisations in connection with Cauvery River Management Board, the CM said, "It is unnecessary as it affects the people. There are other ways to oppose."

Meet with Suttur seer

Siddaramaiah said, "There were plans to visit Suttur seer when All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Rahul Gandhi visited Mysuru region. But, we could not meet him then. Hence, I visited the Swamiji, on Friday. It was a casual meeting."

Siddaramaiah said, actor Sudeep had met him to extend invitation to attend the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL).