Mysuru, Mar 29 (IANS): Karnataka Opposition leader Siddaramaiah, who is a contender for chief minister post if Congress is voted to power, on Wednesday stated that it is his last election.
Addressing reporters, Siddaramaiah repeated that 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections are going to be his last. "After this, I am retiring from politics. It is my desire to represent my native constituency and place and retire. That is the reason I am contesting from Varuna constituency," an emotional Siddaramaiah stated.
"Last time, there was doubt regarding the results of Chamundeshwari constituency. That is why I contested from Badami constituency. This time, I don't have any doubts. Since, the people of Kolar constituency are forcing me to contest elections, I have sought a ticket from the party to contest from Kolar as well," he said.
However, the final decision is left to the high command, Siddaramaiah maintained.
Talking about criticism by the Opposition that he is not able to find a constituency for him, Siddaramaiah clarified that this is a meaningless talk. "I have been invited to contest from 25 constituencies. I have been invited after ensuring my chances of victory.
"I don't care for opponents. We will win with the blessings of people. The state Assembly election dates are announced. The Congress is ready for elections. The elections need to be conducted in a transparent way. The illegalities have to be prevented. The action has to be taken against all, including ruling party members. There is a possibility of the ruling party influencing the elections. It needs to be prevented, he said.
'Match-fixing likely between JD(S), BJP'
Siddaramaiah alleged that there will be a match-fixing between the JD(S) and BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Addressing reporters here, Siddaramaiah stated that there was an understanding between the two political parties last time and this time also it can't be ruled out. "Probably there would be match-fixing, we have to wait and see," he added.
"I am getting signs of JD(S) and BJP coming to internal understanding," he maintained. Siddaramaiah stated that this time Congress is going to come to power and easily win 120 seats.
He said that he will take a helicopter tour across the state for campaigning. "Everyday, campaigning will be done in four constituencies. In a month's period it will cover 120 constituencies. During the Praja Dhvani Yatra, I covered 60 constituencies," he said.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai reacting to the claims of JD(S) leader and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, said that the leaders of both national parties have approached him, said, "Kumaraswamy has to tell who and what kind of offers he gets and which he has accepted. How can we know, when he is not speaking at our levels," he stated.
Talking about the chances of winning for BJP in this election, CM Bommai stated that, "we don't lie like other parties. The surveys have indicated that BJP is ahead of all other political parties in Karnataka," he said.