Bengaluru, March 16: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar today expressed confidence that the Congress would win in 20 constituencies in the State in the upcoming General elections.
Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence, he said, “This is a festival of democracy. We need to enjoy, celebrate this festival and fight it out as well. We are very confident of winning 20 seats in the State.”
“We have almost finalised our list of candidates. The Congress Election Commission meeting has been postponed due to Bharat Jodo Yatra’s valedictory celebrations and India bloc meeting. The list will be finalised in the Committee meeting on March 19.”
Replying to a question on fielding Dr C N Manjunath on BJP ticket, he said, “It is pity that Manjunath is contesting on another party. JDS workers are very disappointed and upset and are getting ready to join the Congress.”
Asked about the poll expenses limit of 80 lakhs by the election commission, he said, “An election will require this amount of money. We don’t have election bonds like the BJP.”
Replying to a query on two phases elections, he said, “We have faced two phase elections in the fast and we will plan accordingly. The BJP will announce the dates according to its convenience, there is no point in debating it. We are prepared to face the elections.”
Asked about the long poll process, he said, “We can’t take any political decisions during the model code of conduct, but we will continue with our development works.”
Asked if there would be last minute ‘operaroon’, he said, “Can’t rule anything out. No one is going our party though. We have decide on this collectively.”
Referring to a question on EVM tampering, he said, “This raises the question on the entire system. The informed people of Madhya Pradesh had given 75% to the Congress during voting but the BJP members themselves were surprised by the results.”
Asked if Modi would have any impact on the elections in the State, he said, “We have all seen the impact he had in the Assembly elections. He will have a similar impact this time too.”
