BJP to bring out constituency-wise manifesto

Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar stated that the BJP is planning to bring out constituency-wise manifesto in the background of forthcoming Assembly elections.

During the launch of the BJP's publicity vehicle near his residence at Madhura Estate here on Monday, he told media persons that the party is planning to have separate manifesto for each constituency, considering the local needs, in addition to the general manifesto for the entire State.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has predicted victory for the BJP in 65 to 70 seats. But, Mr Siddaramaiah's future itself is hanging in balance, as he is in search of a suitable constituency though election dates have been announced. The BJP would win more than 150 seats, Mr Shettar predicted.

Mr Shettar said, the BJP has already released its first list of candidates, and the second list is expected to be out within three days.

As there is heavy competition for BJP tickets due to more number of aspirants, discontent after the ticket announcement is natural. We would console such leaders and solve the problem, Mr Shettar said.

Those leaders who could not get the ticket would be given some respectful position after the BJP comes to power, he noted.

Mr Shettar said, in the Hubballi-Dharwad Central constituency, all other parties are targeting him unnecessarily. "But people know what I am. Even if all others are united against me, I need not do some extraordinary activity on the eve of elections to get votes, but regular process of campaigning would continue," he said.

MP charges

MP Pralhad Joshi charged that the Congress divided the country first, then divided Hindus and Muslims, and is now dividing castes, on the model of British rule.

Chef Minister Siddaramaiah promoted Lingayat independent religion issue just to prevent B S Yeddyurappa from becoming the chief minister, by dividing the Lingayat community, he said.

MLA Arvind Bellad, MLC Pradeep Shettar, and others were present.