Former Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu of the BJP is pitted against Minister Roshan Baig of the Congress in Shivajinagar constituency. Mr. Naidu was jailed on charges of involvement in a land scam through his firm, Itasca in 2011. Given a clean chit by the high court, he is now a free man and believes he stands a good chance of winning from his old constituency despite its big Muslim population as the people appreciate the work he has done for it in the past. He spoke of this and more in an interview with Deccan Chronicle. Excerpts.
How do you feel about contesting from your old constituency where you began your political career?
Obviously it feels great to contest from Shivajinagar, which was a launching pad for my political career. I have won twice from here and I enjoy the love and support of the people of the constituency. I have received good response and the people still love to vote for the BJP although the area is dominated by the Muslim community.
Will your health permit you to campaign this hot summer?
Of course, yes. If my opponent , who is almost as old as I am , can campaign, why not me? I am blessed with good health to contest polls. Although I did not contest the last assembly and parliamentary elections I actively campaigned for my party from 6 am to 10 pm, even during the BBMP polls.
You were charged by the Lokayukta in a KIADB land scam and resigned. How do you feel about it now?
It was a bad time. I faced charges unnecessarily, but now the court has exonerated me and given me a clean chit. It shows that I work for the welfare of my people and constituency. My party and workers have already started campaigning.
Didn’t you ask for Hebbal, from where you last contested?
My heart beats for Shivajinagar. However, I have lived upto the expectations of the people of both Shivajinagar and Hebbal. There may have been some instances where I made a mistake. To err is human and forgive is divine. I am sure the voters will have confidence in me. I will file my nomination on April 20.
