Hubli: Sitting Haveri MP Shivakumar Udasi who is trying his best to retain the seat for the BJP, is battling differences between erstwhile KJP and BJP workers with the merger of the two parties yet to happen at the grassroot level. Udasi Junior is also heavily banking on the influence of his father and former minister C.M. Udasi and former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa who are toiling hard for his victory. He spoke to Deccan Chronicle on various issues in an exclusive interview. Excerpts:
What are the factors that will work in your favour in the election?
The leadership qualities of our Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, the poor performance of the state government and the undivided anti-Congress vote-bank will facilitate an easy victory for me.
Merger of KJP with BJP and B. Sriramulu’s return to the party fold will improve my prospect in the election. People are well aware of the developmental works undertaken by me in the constituency during the last five years.
Will lack of unity among BJP and KJP workers despite the merger, cast a shadow on your chances of victory?
I was suspended by the BJP after the split in the party. Still, my candidature was declared in the first list by the BJP central core committee after KJP’s merger as I am the unanimous candidate of the party.
Therefore, there is proper co-ordination between all leaders, there are no differences among us. But, there are internal squabbles among Congress leaders which made the party delay the announcement of its candidate.
What are the development works undertaken by you during the last five years?
I have focused more on the Gadag-Wadi and Haveri-Gadag railway line. The survey of these projects is complete and the foundation stone is also laid. I have also worked hard to build a flyover in Haveri. The revision of agriculture crop loans by the government became possible after I raised my voice for it. This has helped lakhs of farmers to get more loans depending on the cost of production.
There is an allegation that you failed to remain in touch with the common man. You are fighting the election only on the strength of your father C.M. Udasi.
I believe more in quality rather than quantity. I have redressed the grievances of all people who approached me to the best of my capacity. I attended the Lok Sabha session for 320 days and also raised pertinent questions while tabling the Companies Bill and Life Insurance Corporation (Amendment) Bill.
What are your future plans for Haveri if re-elected?
My primary focus is to establish Tata Steel Company that will facilitate growth of small and ancillary industries. More job opportunities will prevent migration of the rural population to urban areas from both Haveri and Gadag districts coming under my Lok Sabha constituency. Therefore, I will focus on creation of job opportunities, education and health as these are prime areas to ensure overall development of the constituency.
