Varuna: CM brings localite-outsider debate in campaign discourse

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Tuesday that he was the son of Varuna constituency and he was hopeful that the people of the segment would bless his son also.

After three rounds of campaigning in his constituency of Chamundeshwari over the past one month, Siddaramaiah sought votes for his son Dr Yathindra in Varuna on Tuesday. Varuna is presently represented by Siddaramaiah since 2008 for the last two terms. His native, Siddaramanahundi village, is also under the Varuna constituency limits.

“In the last two elections, the people of Varuna have elected me with a wide margin over my opponents. Now, the people should give a bigger margin victory to my son. I and my family belong to the Varuna constituency. We are voters here. The outsiders have nothing to do here. What is their standing? Don’t listen to what others say,” he said.

He was referring to the BJP probable candidate B Y Vijayendra, without naming him. Vijayendra, son of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, is a native of Bookanakere in KR Pet taluk of Mandya district. He was born and brought up in Shikaripura of Shivamogga district.

Siddaramaiah said, “Even if I am not contesting from Varuna, I am in the immediate neighbouring Chamundeshwari constituency. I will always be there to help you when you need me”.

Siddaramaiah, flanked by his son Yathindra, MP R Dhruvanarayan and Minister H C Mahadevappa, started the tour of the villages under Varuna constituency around 11 am and held road shows in over 20 villages till the night. He also visited numerous temples and interacted with the people.

Unlike his earlier addresses, he did not speak anything about the opposition parties, BJP and JD(S). His speeches were mainly emotional and revolved around his connect with the villages and its residents.