Pre-poll surveys are wrong, Congress will win in Karnataka, says KC Venugopal
Bengaluru: Rubbishing the outcome of recent pre-poll surveys conducted by various TV channels, Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka K.C. Venugopal on Tuesday made it clear that the ruling party's strategy is to retain power in the state on its own and not bank on any coalition partner.
Besides this, the general secretary also asserted that party workers should work single-mindedly retaining faith in Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah's leadership.
Taking serious objection to several ministers failing to attend the meeting, Mr Venugopal clarified that the party would not wait for anyone, instead it will find alternative leaders who can dedicate their time for the party.
Speaking at the KPCC office bearers meeting here, Mr Venugopal took umbrage to recent pre-poll surveys with many of them predicting a hung assembly. "This is a political ploy by BJP. I am telling you (workers) not to fall prey to these surveys, which are either predicting a Congress defeat or a hung assembly," he said.
Mr Venugopal made it clear that raising doubts about Siddaramaiah's leadership would enable the Opposition BJP encroach upon the Congress’ Backward Class vote bank. "Single-mindedly, we (leaders and workers) have to repose faith in Siddaramaiah until the elections are over," he stressed.
Training his guns on the lethargic approach of some ministers and leaders, he said the Congress will recognise those who spend time for the party.
Siddaramaiah: Battle of Pandavas and Kauravas
Giving a clarion call to party workers and leaders, Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah on Tuesday asserted that the Assembly election in 2018 will be no less than a war with the Congress party fulfilling its poll promises like the Pandavas and the BJP taking a hawkish stand like the Kauravas in this war.
Speaking at the executive office bearers meeting here, Mr Siddaramaiah said party workers and leaders should set aside their differences and fight this war as a single unit in order to defeat communal forces like BJP. "We are on the side of truth and need not fear. We are like Pandavas who stood for their integrity to uphold the truth. With the wily BJP leaders already misguiding people with their hate filled campaigns on Whatsapp and Social media sites, the Karnataka Assembly polls will no doubt be no less than a war," he thundered.
"It is all the more important for us to strengthen our polling station committees in order to beat the BJP in its own game. My one-month long tour has certainly given me a feel of the pulse of the people and nowhere in the state has anti-incumbency set in yet. But my interaction on loans and PDS supplies proved that party workers haven't reached the people yet. Therefore, I appeal to you (leaders) to go to your respective constituencies and ensure that all booth committees function appropriately before the poll code-of conduct comes into force," he explained.
