Shivakumar says 79% voters support Samarth in Davangere

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday said that a KPCC survey has confirmed support of 79% of voters for Congress candidate Samarth Shamanuru Mallikarjun in Davangere South Assembly Constituency.

Speaking to presspersons in Davangere on Tuesday, Mr. Shivakumar said that members of backward classes, minorities, Dalits and the general public participated in the survey.

“All these sections have remembered the help extended by Shamanur Shivashankarappa during COVID-19 and have promised to support the family in the bypolls,” he said.

Mr. Shivakumar said that 59,000 households in the constituency are getting free power and women of these families are Gruhalaxmi beneficiaries.

“This apart, 1.40 lakh people are benefiting under Annabhagya scheme. The burden of soaring prices of essential commodities and fuel has been reduced by guarantee schemes. These five guarantees will help the party in the bypolls,” he said.

To a query, he said that as Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan is the star campaigner of the party for Kerala elections, he has been given several responsibilities.

“After completing his responsibilities there, he will come for the bypoll campaign. Already, several leaders of minority communities are camping in the constituency. Moreover, the party is not dependent on individuals. D.K. Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah or Zameer Ahmed are not important for the party. Elections are fought on party’s ideology. The Congress has extended several benefits to the minority community and has drawn criticism for the same from the BJP,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that leaders from minority communities have been given positions in 16 boards and corporations thereby encouraging leadership in the Muslim community. He also said that the presence of Muslim candidates in the bypoll will not lead to division of votes.