In Congress circles it is said that the party had none from the local unit, so you got the ticket to contest from Ballari?
No, it is not true. I am the consensus candidate. I have been unanimously selected to contest the by-polls to Lok Sabha. Actually, my name was on the list in the last Lok Sabha elections. I did not make any noise this time.
No doubt you campaigned against illegal mining, but you are an outsider?
I campaigned against illegal mining. Going your logic, how’s Sriramulu connected with Molakalmuru (Assembly)?.
People could factor in previous contributions?
I was the one who fought for installation of Valmiki statue near Vidhana Soudha, instituting two chairs on Valmiki in Hampi Kannada University and Kalaburagi University. I belong to Nayaka community, and there are five Assembly segments reserved for STs. So, I stand a good chance. Moreover, this election is fought on image not on any other issues.
The local unit of Congress is a divided house in Ballari?
No, our leaders spoke to all factions. All leaders including Nagendra have started working for my success.
