I will bring AIIMS to Koppal if elected

Rajshekhar Hitnal

Karadi Sanganna is seeking re-election from Koppal Lok Sabha constituency. A four-time MLA from Koppal Assembly segment, he began his political career as a taluk panchayat member. He lost to the Congress in 2013 Assembly polls, but won from Koppal LS seat on a BJP ticket in 2014.

Karadi doesn’t see anti-incumbency factor in the constituency. He exudes confidence that he will be victorious by over one lakh vote margin. Excerpts of his interview with Jagadish Angadi of DH.

How is situation in the constituency?

The BJP and Modi wave are sweeping the region. It reminds me of the freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. People would gather in large numbers for a call of Gandhi. Similarly, people are rallying behind Narendra Modi for the welfare measures implemented by his government.

What, do you think, will work in your favour?

Youths aged between 18 and 35 want second term for Modi in view of national security. The Congress did not dare to attack rivals after the Mumbai terror attacks. But, Modi government responded strongly by destroying militant training centres at Balakot as a response to Pulwama terror attack. Rising sense of national security is a strong factor for me.

You are also facing anti-incumbency factor?

My rivals are floating anti-incumbency theory. In the last five years, I have ensured rail connectivity till Gangavathi, works on Talkal-Wadi rail line, Rs 2,500-crore Hubballi-Hosapete-Ballari-Gutti highway, road and railway bridges, brought Kendriya Vidyalaya to Gangavathi, ensured LPG gas connections to 1.40 lakh families and implemented Rs 140 crore projects in Gangavathi town.

Why did the party delay announcement of your candidature?

There were reports that former chief minister Siddaramaiah would be fielded from the Congress and hence my name was not announced in the first list. As the Congress clarified its stand on Koppal, I got the ticket in the second list.

Your plans if you make it to Parliament?

I will focus on lift irrigation projects at Kushtagi, Yelaburga and Singatalur, flow Krishna river water to Tungabhadra river, complete Koppal-Shiggaon, Ginigera-Raichur and Sindhanur-Kushtagi- Gajendragad-Naragund national highway projects, bring a Central university for Agriculture. My dream is to bring All India Institute of Medical Science for North Karnataka to be housed at Koppal.

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Is Modi a celebrity or a Bollywood hero?

Congress nominee from Koppal Lok Sabha constituency, Raghavendra Hitnal belongs to a political family. A member of Kuruba community, a decisive factor for any party in the constituency, he is a younger brother of Koppal MLA Raghavendra Hitnal. His father K Basavaraj was also Koppal MLA.

Hitnal is confident of entering Parliament riding on anti-incumbency wave Siddaramaiah’s popularity and his brother’s hold over the district. Excerpts of his interview with Jagadish Angadi of DH.

Are you confident of your chances?

Welfare measures launched by UPA and Siddaramaiah governments will sail me through. As an MLA, my brother Raghavendra Hitnal has proved that youths would work if given an opportunity. People remember my achievements as Koppal ZP president. I expect a lead of over 1.50 lakh votes.

What about Modi wave?

There is no wave. The BJP’s marketing department is floating such a theory. The party has illusion that the fictitious wave will be converted into votes. Heroes in the Bollywood change their dresses many a times a day, so does Modi. Is Modi a celebrity or a hero?

Is it a battle between Siddaramaiah and Modi in Koppal?

Siddaramaiah is a towering leader in the state. It isn’t wrong to project him for his welfare measures. We seek votes for his schemes unlike BJP which is dependent only on Modi, his dresses and menu for breakfast and lunch.

Your dream for Koppal if you are elected?

The storage capacity of Tungabhadra reservoir has shrunk from 130 tmcft to 100 tmcft due to silt deposit. Farmers can grow second crop in a year if 30 tmc water is stored. I will focus on this, bring more industries, national highways and rail projects.

On the charge of dynasty politics by Hitnal family in Koppal

Candidates irrespective of families can enter politics if they are capable and meritorious. In a democracy, MLA and MP aren’t nominated posts. It is peoples’ choice. I was fielded only after taking feedback from party workers, local leaders and survey report.

Are seniors in the district Congress upset with your candidature?

There was some disappointment in the beginning. Now, veterans like Amaregouda Bayyapur, Hamapangouda Badarli and Veeupakshappa treat me as their son.