The Congress will not tie up with any party for next month’s Assembly elections in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday. He was in Mysuru to file his nomination for the election. The chief minister is a candidate from Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency of the district.
Several leaders across parties are likely to file their nominations on Friday, as it is considered auspicious, News18 reported. The last date for filing nominations is April 24.
“We are a secular party and would not be forming an alliance with any other party,” Siddaramaiah said, according to ANI. When asked about the Janata Dal (Secular), he said, “Who told you JD(S) is a secular party?”
Siddaramaiah said he would decide on Saturday with the party leadership whether to contest from the Badami Assembly constituency as well. He was widely expected to contest from two seats, but he was named as the candidate for only Chamundeshwari when his party announced its list for 218 constituencies on Sunday. The Congress has yet to announce its candidates from five seats.
The chief minister accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre of failing to fulfil pre-election promises. He said voters had become disenchanted with Modi and have now realised they have been cheated.
“The prime minister promised several things for the economy which included bringing back black money, but the hidden agenda of his party overrides his promises,” Siddaramaiah said.
“Why couldn’t they ban beef exports?” he said. “Why couldn’t they ban beef in North East? People are taking note of all this. They can understand all this. Congress will win this election. It will be a stepping stone for national politics. In 2019, Congress and like-minded parties will win at the Centre also.”
The Assembly elections in Karnataka will be held on May 12, and the votes will be counted on May 15. These elections are key because Karnataka is the only major state left under the Congress’ rule, and its results are expected to set the tone for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
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