'NYAY' to begin from Kundgol, DKS assures

Minister D K Shivakumar, who is an in-charge leader for Congress campaigning in Kundgol by-polls, noted that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's ambitious 'NYAY' scheme would begin from Kundgol constituency itself, as a pilot project, if Congress comes to power at the Centre.

"We will ensure that the implementation of the scheme to give Rs 72,000 per year to each poor family would start from Kundgol itself. An office with separate staff would be opened to ensure that benefits of the government schemes reach the needy," he said.

Speaking to media persons here on Friday that he would adopt Kundgol constituency, to achieve development there, while all ministers would be in support of Kusumavati Shivalli, in the service of the people of Kundgol, he said.

Like Kanakapura, we would change the face of Kundgol, by implementing drinking water, irrigation, housing and other projects, he assured.

I fulfilled my promise in Ballari, after Lok Sabha by-elections. I do not forget my words. In Kundgol, it is a 'Dharmayuddha', and war for development, he added.

'BJP 2-men party'

BJP has become a two-men party, and only Modi's face is being used in polls. Even union minister lacked confidence to face elections, Shivakumar crictised.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi should reply about BJP leaders supporting Nathuram Godse. When State BJP leaders are talking about destabilising the State Government, is is not anti-democratic and is Modi behind it, he asked.

We are not cruel like BJP leaders, who did not field Ananth Kumar's wife in Lok Sabha elections. BJP neglected leaders who built that party. We have the quality to remember the help always, he said.

Minister R B Timmapur, former minister Santosh Lad, Vinay Kulkarni, Nagaraj Chabbi, D K Suresh, and others were present.

Independents support

Independent candidates in Kundgol by-polls Tulsappa Dasar and Siddappa Godi announced that they have retired from the poll fray, and would support Congress candidate.

D K Shivakumar expressed hope that more independent candidates would support the Congress.