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Business News/ Politics / News/  We will implement Citizenship Amendment Act, NRC in Karnataka: Yediyurappa
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We will implement Citizenship Amendment Act, NRC in Karnataka: Yediyurappa

In an interview, Yediyurappa spoke about the factors that helped BJP win 12 seats

Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa. (HT )Premium
Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa. (HT )

BENGALURU : By winning 12 out 15 bypoll seats, 76-year old chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has finally brought some stability to the over four-month old government. The bypoll victory and ensuing stability putting to rest any imminent threats of dissent against Yediyurappa that added to fears of continuing the already prolonged period of political uncertainty in Karnataka.

Even though the victory of the defectors itself raises questions on political morality, the vote was perceived to be in favour of stability and the hope of getting some or any governance. Especially after the floods that has left a trail of destruction in calamity-prone Karnataka.

In an interview, Yediyurappa spoke about the factors that helped BJP win 12 seats, his priorities going forward and on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Edited excerpts:

What is Karnataka’s stand on National Register of Citizens (NRC) and CAA?

We welcome CAA and we will implement it. Everyone has cooperated except for some states. Any decision of the centre (including NRC) is our decision as well.

Did you expect to win 12 out 15 seats in the bypolls?

I have been saying this from the beginning, but the opposition took us lightly and asked people not to give us a majority. Leads of 30,000-45,000 votes are very rare in bypolls. People have supported us beyond our expectations. There was only confusion during Congress-Janata Dal (S) rule and they did nothing for development. People were aware of the good work I did during floods and thought I should compete my term.

With the victory, is it safe to assume that dissent against you within the party has ended?

There was never any dissent. Our state president has given us full cooperation. Only because we worked as a tight knit, strong organization were we able to win 12 seats. This is not just Yediyurappa’s effort.

How did you manage to win K.R.Pete and Chikballapur?

So far, we could not open our account in these districts and there was a special effort by Vijayendra (Yediyurappa’s younger son), who camped there for over 25 days. His effort, the compassion for Narayana Gowda (BJP candidate from K.R.Pete) and the team work paid off. There was talk that we did not have the support of the Gowda’s (Vokkaligas) but we received the support of all communities and our base has increased. Kurubas, Vokkaligas and others have won from our party and will now become ministers.

People have gone beyond all these considerations and voted for us. The weightage for caste considerations has and should come down. Development should be the only platform for polls.

How will you manage aspirations during cabinet expansion?

This is unavoidable in politics but we have to manage it. In the next few days, I will go to Delhi, meet Amit Shah and get it done. Those who we have assured will be made ministers. There is no truth to reports that there will be two more Deputy chief ministers.

What role did the party high command play in the bypolls?

Our MPs worked together. PM Narendra Modi and Shah gave us their cooperation and a free hand that enabled us to achieve this victory. Modi, Shah and the central leadership are the reason for this victory.

What is your agenda for the state?

Development is our first agenda and will tighten our administration. There was some confusion among officials until the election was complete but now we have a clear majority. Farmers are like two of my eyes and within a day of my taking office, I announced 4000 for the states farmers in addition to the 6000 given by the centre for a farmer annually. Will focus on irrigation, getting scientific prices for farm produce, fill up lakes and make use of our full reservoirs. I will focus on Yethinahole and also looking to get clearance for Mahadayi also. We will formulate policies to help achieve Modi’s vision of doubling of farmer income by 2022.

What is your plan for Bengaluru?

We are giving a lot of focus on metro rail, Ring Road, and all central programmes. It is inevitable that we focus on Bengaluru and it is our duty to develop it. We will also have a special focus on women's safety to ensure not even a small untoward incident occurs in the state. We will give another 200 patrol vehicles for beats between 8 pm to 6 am.

Are you expecting more trouble from Siddaramaiah, H.D.Deve Gowda and the opposition?

In politics, they will do their jobs as opposition and we will do ours as ruling party. This is all part of it and we can’t break our heads over this. Now that the elections are over, I request that all of us come together and think of developing the state. I am hopeful they will cooperate.

Will the next elections also be fought under Yediyurappa?

The good work that I will do during my term will also help us win 150 seats in Karnataka, which is my aim. We have to identify candidates, develop these regions to achieve this. Let’s see what happens next.

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Published: 16 Dec 2019, 04:23 PM IST
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