The Hindu : 'Cong. has tough job on hand in Humnabad bypoll'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

'Cong. has tough job on hand in Humnabad bypoll'

By Our Staff Correspondent

BIDAR Feb. 10. The AICC Secretary and former MP, Mirza Irshad Baig, feels that the Congress has a tough job on hand in dispossessing the BJP of the Humnabad Assembly seat, the byelection for which is scheduled on February 26.

In an exclusive interview to The Hindu here today, Mr. Baig conveyed the impression that the Congress party faced a daunting task in bringing together the various factions in the district unit and making them work unitedly for the success of the party candidate, Rajashekar Patil. "As it is a BJP seat, I have no doubt that it's going to be a tough job for us. But if a little coordination is done, I have no doubt that we will register a victory."

Mr. Baig, who arrived here on Friday, held a meeting with party leaders at Humnabad. Today he held a meeting here with the office-bearers of the District Congress Committee and the heads of various cells and blocks. Apart from the DCC President, Basavaraj Bulla, the meeting was attended by Narasingrao Suryavamshi, Muralidhar Eklarlkar, Madiwalappa Karbari, and Abdul Mannan Sait.

When asked about the intense infighting in the party and what the repercussions of this would be on the prospects of the candidate, Mr. Baig argued that even though groupism was common to every party, the Congress leaders would not work against their candidate. "Since the democratic system is more strong in the Congress, the leaders tend to express their views more openly. Initially there was opposition from a section of leaders to renominating Mr. Rajashekar Patil as the candidate for the byelection. But after much consultation, the Chief Minister and the party felt that he should be given the nod. Now that the decision has been taken by the party, I'm sure all the leaders of the party will abide by it."

Asked what impact the outcome of the byelection would have on the party and the State Government, Mr. Baig replied that even though victory would have little impact on the strength of the party in the Legislative Assembly where it had comfortable majority, such an outcome would definitely give a boost to the image of the party.

Stating that the byelection would be triangular fight between the Congress, the BJP, and the JD(S), Mr. Baig hoped that this time around the voters would favour the Congress candidate. "This is because the Congress Government is in power in the State and its overall performance has been very good. The people of Humnabad have also realised that during the past three-and-a-half years, when the BJP MLA was in office, the constituency saw little development. They are convinced that if their constituency has to progress, they should elect a candidate belonging to the ruling party."

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

Steep hike likely in Karnataka college fees

Gowda denies responsibility for JD split

Steps sought against school donations

'Cong. has tough job on hand in Humnabad bypoll'

'EU working to end terrorism in India'

Probe looking into charges against Inspector: Commissioner

BC panel for extension of scheme to develop dhobi ghats

Tourism policy to be announced today