Date:31/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/31/stories/2008123154070500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

‘Verdict is people’s approval of BJP Government’s policies’

Special Correspondent

This is a positive vote for stability and development, says Yeddyurappa

— Photo: K. Gopinathan

Upbeat mood: Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa (third from left) showing victory sign in Bangalore on Tuesday after BJP’s good show in the byelection.

BANGALORE: Jubilant over Bharatiya Janata Party’s victory in five of the eight constituencies in the byelection to the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said the verdict indicated the people’s approval of the BJP Government’s programmes, policies and performance in the past seven months.

“This is a positive vote for stability and development,” Mr. Yeddyurappa said and congratulated the voters on electing five BJP candidates. The party, which was short of three seats when it formed Government on May 30, 2008 with the support of six independent MLAs, now has a clear majority in the Legislative Assembly, he told presspersons here on Tuesday.

With the victory of five candidates, the BJP’s strength in the Assembly has increased from 110 to 115.

Promise

“This unprecedented victory has increased our responsibility,” Mr. Yeddyurappa said and promised the people that his Government would strive to live up to their expectations by giving good governance.

The BJP formed Government with the support of the six independent MLAs. The same arrangement would continue. The independent MLAs, who backed the BJP Government during the most critical time, would not be disturbed, he said.

Stating that he was grateful to the electorate for strengthening the hands of his Government, Mr. Yeddyurappa said that the Government’s focus would be on development work in the coming days.

“I hope that the Opposition parties will learn a lesson from this byelection and extend cooperation to his Government in the future,” the Chief Minister said.

Asked about the defeat of BJP candidates in Turuvekere, Madhugiri and Maddur constituencies, he said that the party should have concentrated more on these segments.

The Congress and the Janata Dal (S) had an understanding in some of the constituencies, he added.

Asked if the BJP would continue “Operation Lotus”, he said the focus henceforth would be on providing good governance by accelerating the pace of development work.

He declined comment on the former Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah joining the BJP.