Bypoll results will have no bearing on 2018 Assembly polls: CM

 Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that the outcome of bypolls to Gundlupet and Nanjangud will not have any bearing on the 2018 Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters after seeking blessings of Siddaganga Mutt seer Shivakumara Swamiji here on Sunday, the chief minister said, It is not fair to say that the results of bypolls are pointer to the next Assembly polls. Also, it is wrong to say that the outcome will shape the public opinion.”

Replying to a query Siddaramaiah said, “Prestige is involved in all elections. Both Nanjangud and Gundlupet constituencies are Congress strongholds and the party will retain them with convincing victories.”

To a query, the chief minister said, “We have sent a proposal to the Centre seeking a drought aid of Rs 4,702 crore. But the Union government has sanctioned Rs 1,782 crore as relief for kharif crops. It is yet to sanction aid for rabi crops and flood relief.”

On the demand for conferring Bharat Ratna on Siddaganga seer Shivakumara Swamiji, the CM said, “The state has laready written to the Union government seeking it to honour the seer with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in the country.”Home Minister G Parameshwara, District Minister T B Jayachandra, MLA Rafique Ahmed and others were also present.