Engulfed by loud chants of “Modi” and “DVS,” Datty Sadananda, the wife of Bangalore North incumbent D.V. Sadananda Gowda, feels herself swell with pride. The overwhelming, unconditional support makes the scorching sun far more bearable, Datty says, inspiring her to “campaign vigorously” for PM Modi and D.V.S. “Corruption-free governance, national security and development are the hallmarks of the Modi government and the response from the public has been tremendous.”
You could call it a ‘walk in the park’, for that’s where Mrs Datty Sadananda always begins. Meeting voters at their leisure, amidst the calm of nature, is very conducive to drawing them out and making them talk about their idea of India. These days, Datty’s days begin at the crack of dawn, with the family fanning out by 6 am. Her son and daughter-in-law are part of the campaign too, she says. “Today, I’m at Byatarayanapura, which is represented by Congress candidate and incumbent minister Krishna Byregowda. Support from the party leadership has been unconditional and they have acknowledged our work,” she says.
Her schedule has turned on its head the last 29 days and this is likely to continue for another 10, until the election is done. “I will continue to campaign for other BJP candidates but that’s not going to be as hectic,” she says. Everyday, as voters gather to express their grievances and the things that please them, local leaders are busy making notes. Areas or local leaders who have been missed out will be tapped the next day, she explains.
When asked why voters are being wooed in the name of Modi, anger flashes across her face as she says, “No. Sadananda Gowda has niche for himself and has been recognised for his works, the Sakala scheme being one of them. It is through Sakala that government works are to be completed in a stipulated time. He is also behind enhancing salaries of pourakarmikas and implementing the sixth pay commission.”
Unlike the BJP’s rivals, Mrs Datty says, “We have several trump cards to draw voters. Swachch Bharat, Ayushman, Make in India, Start Up India, Digital India – these are some of the initiatives that the youth have been attracted to. They want the country to go further along this path of progress.”
Parks are the best place to start where we get to meet cross section of people. People always tell us that they vote for development and DVS and want to see Modi as Prime Minister again. They also acknowledge the contribution of Mr. Sadananda Gowda as an MP, as a union minister and as a former CM of the state.
