Political Correspondent - Bangalore
Daijiworld Media Network
BANGALORE, APRIL 6: ``I never said this is my last election,’’ said former Karnataka chief minister S Bangarappa, who contesting from Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency for the fifth term on a Congress ticket.
To a question on whether he would also declare that the current parliamentary polls as his last electoral battle as had been reportedly stated by JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda, Bangarappa said he was not aware of Gowda’s remarks. ``If he has indeed said it, it is his business. I don’t want to comment. But personally I wonder what is wrong if I contest again. There is no retirement age for politicians in the country,’’ he said.
He, however, made it clear that he will decide when to call it quits to active electoral politics. ``As long as I enjoy good health, have the capacity to serve the people and am able to win popular support, I will continue in politics. Unlike US or UK, aged persons remain active in politics in the country. If an 81-year-old leader like L K Advani can aspire to become prime minister, what is wrong if I c ontest again to become an MP?,’’he asked.
Bangarappa, who visited the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee office accompanied by his two sons Kumar and Madhu who lost in the 2008 assembly polls by contesting against each other from Soraba constituency to address a press conference along with KPCC chief R V Deshpande and working president R V Deshpande, said compared to Advani he was very young and fit than most politicians. ``I had a tennis game and a vigorous swim before coming here,’’ he said explaining that he was extremely happy to visit KPCC office as it was like ``home-coming.’’
Reacting sharply to chief minister B S Yeddyurappa’s challenge to participate in a public debate, he said he was ready for a public debate. ``But the question is, debate with whom? In a parliamentary election, issues to pertaining to national, international and state subjects figure prominently. If the Indo-US N-deal is to be debated, what does Yeddyurappa know about the issue much less comprehend. So, if Yeddyurappa wants to arrange a public debate, I am willing to accept if the debate is with Advani. Let us debate on any issues pertaining to the country. The chief minister and his son are welcome to attend and sit in the front row to listen and watch the proceedings,’’ he said.
Bangarappa charged that Yeddyurappa was the real candidate against him in Shimoga while his son B Y Raghavendra is only a nominal candidate. The ruling party is pouring money and misusing power to influence the voters, he said the chief minister was visiting Shimoga almost daily and had allegedly mobilized at least Rs 25 to 30 crore of money from the mining lords and Vidhana Soudha.
"I am confident of victory because I know the people of Shimoga cannot be purchased or fooled by money power and liquor,’’ he said pointing out that he would speak lightly of his opponents, including Raghavendra. ``I am in the fray to win and treat all candidates, including independents on the same footing,’’ he said urging the Election Commission to take serious note of the blatant violation of the electoral code of conduct and misuse of official machinery by the BJP regime so as to ensure free and fair elections.