Shivarajkumar will seek votes for wife, not JD(S)

BANGALORE: Sandalwood star Shivarajkumar on Tuesday said that his father Rajkumar was neither against politics nor had he advised any family member to desist from it.
Participating in a media interaction with his wife Gita, the JD(S) nominee from Shimoga constituency, Shivarajkumar said: "Our father was personally not interested in joining politics.But he never hated it. He never advised any of us against getting into this field. It's not a crime to join politics.''
Shivarajkumar said had his father disliked politics he would have never allowed him to marry Gita, daughter of former CM S Bangarappa.
He said his father believed in women's freedom and empowerment. "My mother manages Vajreshwari Combines. My father always encouraged her. I believe in my father's principles. My wife takes care of my cinema activities, including my costumes," he said.
But Shivarajkumar made it clear that he would campaign only for Gita and not for the JD(S) in other constituencies. He also said he wouldn't appeal to his fans to vote for a particular party.
Denying reports of a rift between him and his brothers and mother, he said: "I love my brothers and mother. Though I live separately, we visit each other and participate in religious and other programmes.''
However, he said he wouldn't compel his brothers to campaign for his wife. "It's left to them. I respect their decision and space,'' he added.
Brother and star Puneet Rajkumar has already said he wouldn't campaign for his sister-in-law, as he wants to continue his father's legacy of staying away from politics.
Asked if he would join politics, Shivarajkumar said: "I am short-tempered. I don't think I am suitable for politics.'' But the cine star is willing to allow his daughters into politics, if they so desire. "But, as of now, I don't think they are interested. They are too busy studying,'' he said.
And isn't former CM BS Yeddyurappa a formidable opponent for his wife? "We respect the opponent. But why should we fear another candidate?'' he said.
Won't speak about BSY's graft: Gita
Gita said she had agreed to contest the LS polls as it was her mother's wish and also because she wanted to take forward her father's legacy in Shimoga.
Asked why she chose the JD(S), she said: "It gave political re-birth to my younger brother Madhu. It was the party my father had associated himself with when he died.''
So, was it an united effort by the family to finish off her estranged brother, Kumar Bangarappa of the Congress, politically? "He's in another party. He has an identity of his own. How can we prevent him from doing what he wants?'' she shot back.
Gita said she wouldn't speak about former CM BS Yeddyurappa's corruption but seek votes based on her father's achievements. "He (Yeddyurappa) is a senior and seasoned politician. I don't want to speak about him,'' she said.
And what would be her priorities? "Upper Bhadra project, priority to women and youth, and improving transport facilities in the districts," she said.