Nanjangud bypoll: It's a fight for my self-respect, says Srinivasprasad

Mysuru: As curtains came down ahead of the battle of ballots on April 9, former Union minister and BJP candidate V Srinivasprasad on Friday described the contest at Nanjangud as one of his self-respect versus CM Siddaramaiah’s arrogance.

During an interaction with the media at the end of his long-drawn campaign, Mr Prasad explained reasons behind his decision to quit his seat in the Assembly and the party after he was dropped from the cabinet during a reshuffle. “I have apologized to the people. I was hurt (when axed) because it was not only a question of my self respect but of the entire Dalit community. My people have understood my problems and why I resigned as MLA,” he said adding Mr Siddaramaiah's arrogance would be crushed by the people during the bypoll in Nanjangud.

Listing his achievements as revenue minister, he said “I handled the revenue department most efficiently. I was all set to bring out a white paper on my works. I was the one who came up with several innovative initiatives in revenue department and new programmes like Manaswini. I paved the way for flaw free RTCs through revenue adalats. There were plans to convert Lambani hamlets to revenue villages by using tenancy act. I had a role in forming new taluks and new hoblis. I paved the way for flaw free RTCs through revenue adalats. I have never been to any one’s door for power during these 43 years in politics. I wanted to move away from electoral politics, retire with dignity and grace.” He spewed venom against several Congress leaders including KPCC president Dr G Parameshwar, Mr Siddaramaiah, and energy minister D K Shivakumar. He alleged that Dr Parameshwar had paid bribes to senior Congress leaders to secure a ticket to contest Legislative Assembly polls in 1989, and later on to secure a cabinet berth. The veteran took pot shots at Congress leaders for commenting on his health, saying “I am 100 times more healthy and sound and strong in my mind than you.” Mr Prasad lambasted Mr Siddaramaiah, described him as “betrayer”, and recalled how the Kuruba strongman had visited him with senior leaders Dharam Singh, Mallikarjun Kharge and Kagodu Thimmappa and sought his help to win the crucial Chamundeswari bypoll in 2006.