Siddaramaiah woos Nanjangud, launches development works worth Rs 125 crore

Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah laid the foundation stone for development works worth Rs 125 crores, for the second time in Nanjangud constituency within a span of two weeks on Thursday.

Speaking at the function organised jointly by the PWD, energy, water resources, minor irrigation and endowment departments which are launching the projects, he denied that the works were being taken up with an eye on the Nanjangud by election.“We are taking up the works because of our concern for the people and because development is our responsibility. We are laying the foundation stones for the projects now as we won’t be able do it once the elections are declared,” he said.

Mr Siddaramaiah indirectly attacked Mr V Srinivasprasad saying,” The former MLA of Nanjangud had not taken up any developmental work. It is only after Dr H.C. Mahadevappa became district minister that developmental works are being taken up in the taluk. Empty vessels make more sound. Whenever I have appealed on behalf of any candidate, you have made them victorious and it is now my responsibility to repay you,” he said.

“I need the backing of all religions. I have always worked with self respect. I have never put my voters in a humiliating situation. For some people (Srinivasprasad), the communal party looks beautiful now. I am for social justice and secularism. Power is not permanent. I will never compromise with my principles for power,” Mr Siddaramaiah said.

The CM’s son Dr S Yatindra and PWD Minister Dr H.C. Mahadevappa’s son Sunil Bose, one of the prospective candidates for Nanjangud, were present.

‘Poojary can’t feel Nanjangud voters’ pulse’
CM Siddaramaiah has rebutted the statement by former Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president Janardhan Poojary that the Congress party would lose the Nanjangud Assembly bypolls under his leadership, saying that sitting in Mangaluru Mr Poojary would not be able to feel the pulse of voters in Nanjangud. Nor does Mr Poojary know about Nanjangud, the CM said.

“People in this region themselves cannot say which party or which candidate the voters will choose. How can there be an impact of what he said in Mangaluru on voters of Nanjangud? And how can there be a conflict among voters here? People are intelligent, they will choose the right candidate. I have not taken his statement seriously. I do not want to react to it,” Mr Siddaramaiah said.