After leading Congress to a thumping victory in last year’s assembly elections, KPCC president, DK Shivakumar, now deputy chief minister, is confident of replicating this success in these Lok Sabha elections. His optimism stems from Congress’ five guarantees and anti-incumbency against the Narendra Modi administration. In an interview with TOI, he dismissed the notion of a BJP wave in the state, asserting that the only wave is that of his party’s five guarantees.
Your prediction for the assembly polls was accurate. What are your expectations for the Lok Sabha elections?
Once filing of nominations for both phases is complete, I will provide numbers. But one thing is certain: We [Congress] will win more seats than BJP. Congress will win even in unexpected seats. The BJP-JD(S) combine is poised for its worst performance.
Where does this confidence stem from?
We have followed up on words with action. We have fulfilled promises made during the assembly elections. Our assurances have reached nearly every household in the state. Hundreds of thousands of families are receiving benefits worth at least Rs 4,000 a month. This has instilled confidence in people in us and the party. I don’t see any reason for people not to vote for Congress. Additionally, the party cadre is operating as a unified entity. Whether it’s campaigning, planning, or manage ment, we are significantly ahead and more effective than our competitors.
But BJP-JD(S) says Modi’s charisma will outweigh your assurances…
They may say many things, but I know ground reality. Over 10 years under Modi’s tenure, citizens, especially the poor and lower-middle-class have endured hardships such as inflation, unemployment, and divisive communal agendas. Show me one initiative of the Modi govt that has genuinely improved people’s lives. They engage in politics around emotional issues and propagate division. People have come to realise this.
But even survey after survey indicates Modi still holds sway…
As far as Karnataka is concerned, Modi’s name won’t hold much sway. Why would people vote for Modi? For withholding the state’s rightful share of taxes or for unjustly withholding approvals for the state’s irrigation projects? Forget taxes, Modi didn’t even release drought relief. This, despite Karnataka being the only state in the south that has consistently voted for BJP in Lok Sabha elections. I believe people have had their fill of Modi and BJP.
Will BJP and JD(S) joining hands impact results?
It is a suicidal pact for both parties. Wait till elections are over. The fact that enemies [BJP & JD-S] had to join hands is in itself an indication that they fear defeat. Their alliance will neither change decisions of voters or prospects of Congress.
What is your take on the contest in Bengaluru Rural, where your brother is running for re-election, and Mandya, where your main rival at present, HD Kumaraswamy, is contesting?
Congress will win both seats hands down. Everybody knows the work DK Suresh has done and how he helped people during the pandemic. Moreover, by nominating Dr CN Manjunath as the BJP candidate, JD(S) has acknowledged its lack of standing in the constituency, affecting the morale of its workers. As for Mandya, people see Kumaraswamy as an outsider. Our base is very strong in Mandya.
The decision to nominate relatives of ministers and senior functionaries in half-a-dozen seats has drawn criticism and provided BJP with ammunition to attack you…
It was a strategic choice. These individuals were awarded tickets based on their merit and not because they are offspring of top party members. They have developed into capable leaders. If you examine our candidate list, you’ll find a balanced representation of both party stalwarts and children of party members. In constituencies like Mysuru, Haveri-Gadag, Dharwad, and Dakshina Kannada, our candidates are all grassroots workers.
There is talk that Congress may withdraw its candidate from Dharwad and support independent Fakir Dingaleshwar Swami…
Discussions are ongoing in this matter, but no decision has been reached yet. We will carefully consider all options as our primary goal is to defeat BJP.
Your prediction for the assembly polls was accurate. What are your expectations for the Lok Sabha elections?
Once filing of nominations for both phases is complete, I will provide numbers. But one thing is certain: We [Congress] will win more seats than BJP. Congress will win even in unexpected seats. The BJP-JD(S) combine is poised for its worst performance.
Where does this confidence stem from?
We have followed up on words with action. We have fulfilled promises made during the assembly elections. Our assurances have reached nearly every household in the state. Hundreds of thousands of families are receiving benefits worth at least Rs 4,000 a month. This has instilled confidence in people in us and the party. I don’t see any reason for people not to vote for Congress. Additionally, the party cadre is operating as a unified entity. Whether it’s campaigning, planning, or manage ment, we are significantly ahead and more effective than our competitors.
But BJP-JD(S) says Modi’s charisma will outweigh your assurances…
They may say many things, but I know ground reality. Over 10 years under Modi’s tenure, citizens, especially the poor and lower-middle-class have endured hardships such as inflation, unemployment, and divisive communal agendas. Show me one initiative of the Modi govt that has genuinely improved people’s lives. They engage in politics around emotional issues and propagate division. People have come to realise this.
But even survey after survey indicates Modi still holds sway…
As far as Karnataka is concerned, Modi’s name won’t hold much sway. Why would people vote for Modi? For withholding the state’s rightful share of taxes or for unjustly withholding approvals for the state’s irrigation projects? Forget taxes, Modi didn’t even release drought relief. This, despite Karnataka being the only state in the south that has consistently voted for BJP in Lok Sabha elections. I believe people have had their fill of Modi and BJP.
Will BJP and JD(S) joining hands impact results?
It is a suicidal pact for both parties. Wait till elections are over. The fact that enemies [BJP & JD-S] had to join hands is in itself an indication that they fear defeat. Their alliance will neither change decisions of voters or prospects of Congress.
What is your take on the contest in Bengaluru Rural, where your brother is running for re-election, and Mandya, where your main rival at present, HD Kumaraswamy, is contesting?
Congress will win both seats hands down. Everybody knows the work DK Suresh has done and how he helped people during the pandemic. Moreover, by nominating Dr CN Manjunath as the BJP candidate, JD(S) has acknowledged its lack of standing in the constituency, affecting the morale of its workers. As for Mandya, people see Kumaraswamy as an outsider. Our base is very strong in Mandya.
The decision to nominate relatives of ministers and senior functionaries in half-a-dozen seats has drawn criticism and provided BJP with ammunition to attack you…
It was a strategic choice. These individuals were awarded tickets based on their merit and not because they are offspring of top party members. They have developed into capable leaders. If you examine our candidate list, you’ll find a balanced representation of both party stalwarts and children of party members. In constituencies like Mysuru, Haveri-Gadag, Dharwad, and Dakshina Kannada, our candidates are all grassroots workers.
There is talk that Congress may withdraw its candidate from Dharwad and support independent Fakir Dingaleshwar Swami…
Discussions are ongoing in this matter, but no decision has been reached yet. We will carefully consider all options as our primary goal is to defeat BJP.