Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar defend decision not to field Muslim candidate in Davangere

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday defended the party’s decision to field Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s grandson Samarth Shamanur Mallikarjun in the byelection to Davangere South Assembly Constituency saying that it is a practice to field a member from any deceased MLA’s family in bypolls.

Speaking to presspersons after accompanying the party nominee during filing of nomination papers on Monday, Mr. Siddaramaiah said that according to the same tradition, family members are being fielded by the party in both Bagalkot and Davangere South.

And, moreover, the decision has been made after taking into consideration the winnability of the candidate, he said.

Mr. Siddaramaiah said that the Congress never indulges in politics over caste and religion. It believes in taking everyone, including farmers, minorities, women, along with it, he said.

Defending the party’s decision, Mr. Shivakumar said that based on the ability to win, Samarth has been fielded in Davangere and in the coming days, Muslim leaders will be given priority in Council nominations and appointment to boards and corporations.

To a query, he said that there is nothing wrong in party workers seeking ticket to contest the election.

“Party has provided opportunity to Abdul Jabbar to become MLC thrice. We will also take Sadiq Pailwan into confidence and will have another round of discussion with him during election campaign,” he said.

Mr. Shivakumar also praised the former Minister late Shamanur Shivashankarappa for his contribution to the development of Davangere and transforming it into an educational hub from an industrial town.