Yogesh K Porwar & Sunil Lohan
Haveri:The victory in the Shiggaon by election will determine the future, development,and harmony of this region. Harmony is being disturbed in this area, and politics of hatred is emerging.
Police stations are becoming political arenas, and this must not continue. LHe don’t believe in caste, religion, or faith; believe in justice and fairness.This election is about the future of all of them,said former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.
Speaking at a meeting of party workers and leaders in Shiggaon on Monday,Bommai said,today the party leaders have given him a special opportunity in this by-election.
They have conducted three surveys,and this is their decision,which they must accept.Before he could even speak,they were ready with a prepared list to release to the media.No matter how much he tried, their determination and resolve won.
I bow before your will.You have shown that the power of the people is greater than the power of leaders.”
He said trust,relationships,and affection cannot be measured.He did not know what debt he owed from a previous life,but he has received immense love and trust.
Whether any other politician in Karnataka has received this, he don’t know.He has always worked together during political,natural,administrative,and social crises.
During the floods,many houses were destroyed, but the former CM B.S.Yediyurappa provided Rs.5 lakh compensation and built around 18,000 houses in this region.This is a great achievement.
Bommai said When he visited villages, people invite him to their homes and showed him the houses he helped build,expressing their love.Seeing these homes gives him more joy than his own house.
These poor families now have shelter,and their wives and children are happy.Their children receive good education, and they live in RCC houses, which they never dreamed of. The poor ask for nothing but respect.
Dignity and self-respect come when they have a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs,work for their hands, and food in their bellies.
Empowering the Workers
He said When I came to this constituency in 2008, I shared the vision of development and said that I will live and die with you.
Now, I am indifferent to this election, but you have put pressure on me, and you have won.I did not give any promises to anyone.
Many people came; around 57 people submitted applications. About eight to ten people campaigned extensively.
When so many aspirants were there, was it possible for me to promise the ticket to just one person? No experienced politician would do that.
I didn’t make any promises or break any. Whenever I had the opportunity, I worked to empower the workers from all communities.
Before I came to this constituency, no one from here had become an MLC, a corporation chairman, or received any honors. Now, many positions have been given, and this brings me satisfaction.I have not wronged anyone,” he said.
Land of Unity
Bommai said this is the land where Saint Shishunal Sharif was born and the land of Govindacharya’s work, a land of unity.
Since he came, not a single communal riot has occurred. He has successfully managed to bring all communities together, which gives him happiness and satisfaction.
No one is born with an application in hand; birth and death are not in our control,but life is.If any creature is blessed with the power of expression,it is the human being.
He said saint Kanakadasa said,Do not fight over caste; do you even know which caste you belong to?’ He was born in his land. There wasn’t even a small monument for him before, but now they have built a magnificent fort that the whole world can see.
They have also developed the land of Saint Shishunal Sharif into something that attracts people’s admiration. Not only that, the Nawabs of Savanur, who ruled this land, took all communities along with them.
During their time, they built lakes and tanks and developed Savanur. We have developed their palace too. Those in Congress who claimed to protect minorities didn’t even look back at them.
Priority to Development
He said they can say with a clear conscience that he has not wronged anyone.His principles of justice and fairness have not changed.He is happy that those whom he nurtured have become strong. He is happy that their love and trust continue.You are my leaders.
The party’s decision and your decision are one and the same. You have won, and the responsibility of winning the election is now on you. You must go to every booth and every house to ask for votes.
While in power, we undertook many development projects. We provided funding to women’s self-help groups. In our constituency, about 5,000 women are working, and within a year, 10,000 women will be employed.
There was not a single industry here before. We built thousands of kilometers of roads, constructed school classrooms, and built healthcare centers. We emphasized education and healthcare.”
“During festivals and fairs, I helped all communities, without considering who voted for me or who didn’t. I provided clean governance and worked for development along with social harmony.
I worked for the poor, farmers, and women, building their futures. We brought two polytechnic institutes,two ITIs, and a medical college,”he added.
Entrusting to You
“I am entrusting Bharat to you for your service.Bless him as your son and your brother,and give him the opportunity to serve you. A new history will be made,” Bommai said.
He also advised Bharat Bommai, saying,You must work for the welfare of the downtrodden, the poor, mothers, and the youth. In your public life, you must always follow the people’s mandate.
You should achieve more development than I did and earn even more love and affection.That kind of wealth cannot be measured. There are people with a rich heart who will elect you with their conscience.”
“I have decided to file the nomination on October 25. On that day, a large number of people should gather, and the election’s future should be decided. Victory celebrations should begin that day itself. Whether I am in power or not, I will always be with you,” he concluded.
The event was attended by former ministers C.C. Patil, MLA Mahesh Tenginakayi, and many local leaders.