Shivakumar Confident of Congress Victory in Maharashtra and Karnataka Bypolls Despite Exit Polls
Bengaluru: Karnataka Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar confidently dismissed exit poll predictions regarding the Maharashtra Assembly elections and Karnataka bypolls, asserting that the Congress party will emerge victorious. Speaking from Murudeshwara in Uttara Kannada district, Shivakumar stated, “We will win for sure. The exit poll predictions will be reversed. On record, I am making this statement, and the media should show this.”
Shivakumar, who had campaigned in Maharashtra, reiterated Congress’s optimism about winning there. He cited AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge’s statement about forming a government with a narrow margin in Maharashtra, adding, “Everything was smooth and well for the party.” He also acknowledged the unpredictability of election results, saying, “No one knows what is inside the voting box.”
Responding to exit poll forecasts that suggested a Congress defeat in the Channapatna Assembly segment, Shivakumar expressed full confidence in the party’s chances. He reminded that in the last Assembly elections, Congress had lost Channapatna but had secured victories in other constituencies like Magadi and Ramanagara. “This time we will win,” he asserted.
Addressing controversy surrounding Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan’s “Kaala Kumaraswamy” remark, which had attracted criticism, Shivakumar stressed that such comments were unintentional. He said, “I have given him a piece of advice. He is a good worker, and those remarks were wrong.” He further emphasized that after speaking to Minister Khan, he had apologized, dismissing the issue as a non-event.
On questions regarding cabinet expansion, Shivakumar clarified that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is responsible for reshuffling the cabinet, as he is the Chief Minister, not Shivakumar himself.
Discussing his visit to coastal Karnataka, Shivakumar highlighted the region’s untapped potential for tourism, stating that the state’s 300 km coastline could attract investors and create job opportunities. He also mentioned plans to develop a separate tourism policy for the coastal region, in collaboration with Minister H.K. Patil, adding that Murudeshwara and other beaches in the state are on par with Goa’s famed beaches.
Shivakumar concluded by emphasizing the need to harness local talent for international standards, reflecting on his own experience comparing local youth to those in Bangkok. His trip was aimed at exploring how the state could prosper economically and attract further investment.
