Senior leaders’ efforts, guarantees will ensure big win: DK Shivakumar
Targeting the BJP over rising prices, Shivakumar said the Centre had failed to support people during difficult times.
Bagalkot: Citing the efforts of senior party leaders and the impact of the Congress government’s guarantee schemes, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday expressed confidence that the party will secure a decisive victory in the Davanagere South and Bagalkot by-elections.
Addressing a press conference here, Shivakumar said that people will vote for Congress candidates and ensure a victory with a big margin.
“Congress candidate Umesh Meti would win with a significant margin. There is unity within the party, and everyone is working together,” he added, calling on voters to send a strong message through the bypoll results.
He said Congress workers were reaching out to households to ensure that the guarantee schemes were effectively implemented.
“While the opposition is criticising these efforts, beneficiaries themselves are acknowledging the support they are receiving now. Many people say they did not get such assistance earlier and are expressing their gratitude,” he noted. He added that the party was receiving encouraging support, particularly in urban areas of both constituencies.
Targeting the BJP over rising prices, Shivakumar said the Centre had failed to support people during difficult times. “Our guarantee schemes have helped reduce the burden on poor and middle-class families, enabling them to save Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 every month,” he said.
Speaking about the Congress party’s commitment to the people of the region, Shivakumar stated that the state government had provided compensation to farmers affected by land acquisition under the Upper Krishna Project (UKP) Phase-III, despite it not being part of the party’s manifesto.
“The previous BJP government failed to address this issue, but we have taken it up and delivered,” he said, adding that the government had also moved a resolution in the Assembly on increasing the height of the Almatti dam, reflecting its commitment to irrigation projects.
He alleged that the Centre had not released Rs 15,583 crore due to Karnataka under the 15th Finance Commission.
“Prices of essential commodities continue to rise—be it fuel, gas or construction materials—making it difficult for ordinary people to manage expenses. The promises made by the Centre have not materialised,” he said, urging voters to hold the BJP accountable.
Highlighting local development, he said HY Meti had delivered on his commitments to the region, including securing a government medical college.
Shivakumar also pointed at the voter enrolment, claiming that names of some students from outside had been included in the electoral rolls in certain wards of Bagalkot city, leading to duplicate entries. “We have asked officials to look into the matter and take necessary action. A team has been formed to identify duplicate voters,” he said.
