Am contesting assembly polls to prevent BJP coming to power:CM

Image
Press Trust of India Bengaluru
Last Updated : Dec 16 2017 | 7:15 PM IST
Indicating that the 2018 assembly polls could "most likely" be his last election, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today said that he is contesting to stop the BJP from coming back to power.
"Most likely the forthcoming assembly election will be the last election for me," Siddaramaiah told reporters at Raichur in north Karnataka.
However, Siddaramaiah maintained that he would remain active in politics, but not contest assembly polls.
Earlier during the 2013 assembly polls, Siddaramaiah had said that it was his last election.
Conceding that he had during the 2013 polls stated it would be his last election, the Chief Minister said he was contesting to stop BJP from getting back to power.
"Looking at elections and the political system,I had felt it is enough, but looking at communal politics by BJP, I felt I should stand for election. Also, the high command said that I should contest," he said.
"I have the responsibility to see to that BJP does not come back to power, so I'm contesting," he added.
The Congress has announced Siddaramaiah would be the party's face during the 2018 Assembly polls, and is yet to decide on the Chief Ministerial candidate.
Stating that he would contest from Chamundeshwari constituency in Mysuru district, Siddaramaiah said there are 20 constituencies other than that or Varuna from where he could contest and win.
"Chamundeshwari is the constituency that gave me political strength and rebirth, so I felt I should end from there," he said.
Making his debut in the Assembly in 1983,Siddaramaiah got elected from Chamundeshwari on a Lok Dal Party ticket. He has won from the constituency five times and seen defeat twice.
Siddaramaiah represents Varuna in Mysuru after it came into existence in 2008 following the reorganisation of constituencies.
Speculations are rife that the chief minister is keen on fielding his son Yatindra from Varuna.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Dec 16 2017 | 7:15 PM IST

Next Story