I see a Bangarappa wave, not Modi one: Gita Shivrajkumar

SORAB (SHIMOGA DISTRICT): Gita Shivrajkumar, daughter of the late former CM S Bangarappa and wife of actor Shivrajkumar, is the JD(S) nominee from Shimoga for the Lok Sabha polls. Gita won't speak about two things: her main rival, former CM BS Yeddyurappa, or her estranged brother, Kumar Bangarappa. She talks about her father's achievements and her status as a "clean" and "fresh" candidate and stresses she's in for a long haul in public life.Excerpts from an interview.
* You are new to electoral politics. How has your experience and people's response been?
I am here to fulfill my mother's wish and carry forward my father's legacy in Shimoga. I have the experience of campaigning. Last year, I had sought votes for my brother Madhu in Sorab and this year, I am seeking votes for myself in Shimoga. That's the only difference. When our father was alive, he didn't require us or anybody for that matter. The response here has been very good. Women are coming out in good numbers. In the past 10 days I have seen the love people have for my father and his deeds.
* Is the alleged corruption of Yeddyurappa an issue here? Are you speaking about it?
I don't want to invoke anybody's name while appealing to people. Instead of telling them why they shouldn't vote for somebody, I prefer to tell them why they should vote for me.
* Why should people vote for you?
I am a clean and fresh candidate. I want to continue the good work of my father and assist my brother Madhu in solving the bagar hukum (unauthorized cultivation of forest land) issue to help poor farmers. It is also the wish of my mother.
What is AAP's impact here? Even Raitha Sangha has supported it.
I have no information on that. I am on the move and very busy campaigning.
* Who is your biggest competitor, Yeddyurappa or Congressman Manjunath Bhandari?
Everybody asks me this. I consider both as my competitors.
* How is the Narendra Modi wave here?
I can't see any Modi wave here. The only wave I see is in favour of my late father Bangarappa. I see that wherever I go. It is emotional sometimes.
* Won't your brother Kumar Bangarappa, who is estranged from the family, be a spoiler to you?
He's in another party. Please don't ask me about him. We are not going to discuss anything about the family in public. My husband Shivrajkumar has already clarified on it.
* Besides your husband, who else will campaign for you?
Actors Upendra, Malashree, Diganth and Ragini are among a lot of celebrities expected.