Bengaluru: A former Director General of Police, Mr L. Revannasiddaiah made news recently when he quit the Congress after spending a mere five years in it, complaining of being sidelined by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and vowing to see him defeated these polls. Having joined the party in 2013 from the BJP, it was rumoured he was returning to it. But the Lingayat leader and retired IPS officer has kept people guessing about his intentions, although he admits he was offered the BJP ticket to contest from Varuna Assembly constituency after the party decided against fielding state BJP chief, B.S. Yeddyurappa's son, Vijayendra. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: One hears you were offered the BJP ticket to contest from Varuna constituency.
A: On Sunday, BJP leaders approached me and asked to contest from Varuna constituency against Dr Yatindra as they wanted a strong candidate. But I politely declined the offer as I didn't think it was possible to prepare for the election in this short time. My aim is to work aggressively for the BJP in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar and defeat Mr Siddaramaiah.
Q: Do you think the Vijayendra ticket fiasco will impact the BJP's prospects in these two districts?
A: People of Varuna are still confused why Vijayendra was denied the ticket when he had already created a kind of wave for the saffron party there . He would have been the best bet for the BJP because of his age, charisma and resources. I see a conspiracy behind denying him the ticket, it looks like sabotage.
Q: Did Vijayendra talk to you after he was denied the ticket?
A: Yes, he spoke to me to ask whether I was ready to contest the election from Varuna. But I told him that I was not ready.
Q: What did Chief Minister Siddaramaiah say to you after you decided to quit the Congress?
A: He came to my house in Bengaluru and requested me to not to quit and promised many things. But I reminded him how I have been treated by the Congress party, which has not invited me for any function for the last two years.
Q: Will the Lingayat issue work in favour of the Congress?
A: As far as South Karnataka is concerned, there are no differences among Veerashaiva/Lingayats. The Congress government's promise to get a minority status for Lingayats will boomerang on it. It may win it some votes in one or two districts in North Karnataka, but not elsewhere.
Q: How good do you think are Mr Siddaramaiah's chances in Chamundeshwari ?
A: Though it's very early to say anything, one thing is for sure. Mr Siddaramaiah is struggling in Chamundeshwari due to various factors and the Janata Dal (secular) candidate, G T Deve Gowda is way ahead of him. Mr Siddaramaiah's body language and way of speaking to voters is repulsive. Being the CM he must learn to respect others.
