Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP/ANK)

Udupi/Mangaluru, May 31: “Our calculations from the outside show that we will win the elections. Let us watch the developments. We have the opportunity of clinching a simple majority when we calculate the votes of second preference,” said chief minister Basavaraj Bommai.

He was interacting with the media in city on Tuesday,May 31 about introducing a third candidate in the Rajyasabha elections.

“There are 32 candidates in BJP and 32 extra candidates in JDS. There are old friends in Congress and JDS. We have not held discussions with anybody so far. I have submitted a nomination and have come directly to Udupi,” he said.

Speaking about non-availability of text books for school children, he said that he had directed today to distribute them. “They will be distributed immediately,” he said.

Answering questions about the suicide of Shilpa Devadiga at Kundapur recently, he said that the home ministry handles Love Jihad cases.

The chief minister who has arrived to take part in various government programmes on Wednesday will be staying at the Country Inn hotel, Manipal.

Decision on text book row

Earlier at Mangaluru International Airport, CM Bommai said a call will be taken on the text book row rocking the state and the controversial statements by text book review committee chairman after the education minister submits a report.

"I have directed the education minister to thoroughly review the text book content, the recommendations as well as objections and submit me a detailed report. I have also asked him to meet Adichunchangiri seer in this regard. We will take a decision after understanding the issue from all perspectives," he added.

Regarding demand for Malali mosque survey in line with that of Gyanvapi masjid in UP, he refused to comment citing that the matter is sub-judice.