The buzz of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wanting to contest from two constituencies has taken many different turns. From the CM outright denying it to orchestrating an elaborate play to make it look like the demand of party leaders, Siddaramaiah now has his son backing the idea.
Although Congress’ candidates list has not been finalised, his son Dr Yathindra on Friday said that “there is nothing wrong” in his father contesting from two constituencies. Yathindra was speaking at an event organised by the Karnataka Raajya Hindulida Vargagale Vedike and the Pragathipara Chinthakaru.
Party sources revealed that several members of the central selection committee had felt that Siddaramaiah contesting from two constituencies would set a bad precedent. Siddaramaiah plans to give up his Varuna seat for his son and hopes to contest from Chamundeshwari and Badami.
“There is nothing wrong if my father contests from two constituencies. He wants to contest his last elections from Chamundeswari, the constituency from where he first contested. But he is also contesting from Badami as the people are insisting he should. The party is confident of him winning in both Varuna and Chamundeshwari,” Dr Yathindra said.
In his first speech as a part of the election campaign, Yathindra said that progressive thinkers play a major role in bringing about equality in the society. “It is sad to know that the practice of dividing people based on caste still exists. Members of Parliament are talking about changing the Constitution, which is under threat. People from Dalit, Adivasi and backward communities must support the Congress, as it is the party which supports their cause,” Yathindra said.
He warned the constituents of Varuna to beware of the BJP as they indulged in communal politics.
Meanwhile, Yathindra’s opponent and BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa’s son BY Vijayendra prepared for the poll battle by renting a house in Varuna. Party sources say that a house warming ceremony was conducted, where prayers were offered for “Yathindra’s defeat”.
Vijayendra and his wife Prema also performed a pooja for his late mother Mythradevi. Speaking to the media, Vijayendra said, “We have good support in Varuna. This is our home now and we will continue to live here after elections. My father and I will campaign in Varuna together.”