Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Apr 14: District in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj congratulated Congress party on its victory in Nanjangud and Gundlupet by-elections and said that the party had won with a bigger margin this time.

Adressing reporters on April 14 he said, "In the previous elections, both Srinivas Prasad and Mahadev Prasad had won elections with a lead of 8000 votes each. Congress started its election campaigning a month later than BJP due to the budget session. But, Congress won with a very big margin this time."

"Yeddyurappa along with leaders Shobha Karandlaje and Aravind Nimbavali said that they had to win Nanjangud and Gundlupet if they have to come to power in Karnataka. If BJP would have won, they would say, its 'Modi wave' or 'BSY wave'. But what is this now? I was in-charge of the election in Gundlupet and so was not able to address the assault case of DC and AC at Kandlur. Media was repeatedly asking why I was absent. However, the election result has given me satisfaction," he stated.

"There is a strong base of Veerashaiva community in the both the constituencies, but caste politics did not not work there. This is a lesson for BJP," he added.

Speaking on Srinivas Prasad, Madhwaraj said that he felt bad about allegations that he had paid a bribe of Rs 10 crore to grab a ministerial berth.

"The opposition party after losing elections said that Congress spent a lot of money to bribe voters. The squad for election examination and Central commissioner observer were present. AC of Gundlupete seized 50 cars during election. The election was held in a transparent manner. The allegations of bribe is just an excuse for BJP's defeat," he said.

"The state government released Rs 1000 crore for Udupi constituency only for roads and drinking water in the past four years. This by-election victory clearly shows that the public always stands with pro-development party," he concluded.