Davangere South bypoll: BJP’s Srinivas confident of ‘lotus bloom’

Davangere

As the high-decibel campaign for the Davangere South Assembly bypoll drew to a close and the constituency entered the mandatory silence period, political activity peaked across the region. Candidates wrapped up their final appeals, meeting voters and fine-tuning last-minute strategies in a bid to consolidate support. Amid this intense final push, BJP candidate Srinivas Daskariyappa, who is contesting his first election, took a brief pause  from his packed schedule to speak exclusively with News Trail. Moving swiftly between voter interactions and strategy huddles, he exuded confidence about his prospects and the party’s chances in the constituency.

This is your first time contesting an election. How is the atmosphere, and what are your thoughts?
Srinivas Daskariyappa: I am contesting this election with the strength and support of the other aspirants who stood with me. I am confident of winning. The public response has been excellent—people have welcomed and honoured me in their homes. There is a visible sense of dissatisfaction against the Congress administration. This time, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Kamala (lotus) will bloom.

Why would people vote for you this time, given their long support for Congress?
Srinivas Daskariyappa: People will vote for me for development—better education, improved healthcare, good roads, and poverty alleviation. These are the issues that matter most to them.

Why do you think the BJP chose you at the last minute?
Srinivas Daskariyappa: That decision rests with the party’s national leadership and high command. What matters now is that all the six or seven other aspirants who sought the ticket are working with me wholeheartedly. They are supporting me as if they themselves are the candidate.

It is being said that some sections, including Muslims, are upset with Congress. Do you see this as a factor in your favour?
Srinivas Daskariyappa: That is an internal matter of theirs, and I would not like to comment on it. For me, all 2.32 lakh voters in the constituency are equally important. I believe people from all sections will support the BJP this time—there should be no doubt about that.

By what margin do you expect to win?
Srinivas Daskariyappa: I am confident of winning with a handsome margin. The voters are there, and I am sure they will bless me.