H.D. Kumaraswamy, Janata Dal (Secular) candidate from the Chickballapur Lok Sabha constituency, was two hours behind schedule when he reached Soladevanahalli in Yelahanka Assembly constituency to launch his campaigning on Tuesday.
Perched on an open mini goods vehicle with E. Krishnappa, MLC, and other party leaders, the former Chief Minister began his roadshow around 12.45 p.m. by apologising to the waiting party activists and the people.
“I won’t be able to campaign for myself all the days as I have to campaign for other candidates too. It is your [party workers’] responsibility to campaign for me,” he said.
Enthusiastic supporters burst crackers as Mr. Kumaraswamy entered Tarabanahalli. As he greeted curious onlookers with folded hands, they reciprocated the gesture. Addressing people from the vehicle, the former Chief Minister said it was they who wanted him to contest from Chickballapur. “The constituency is plagued by many problems, including drinking water shortage,” he said.
Mr. Kumaraswamy said the Yettinahole river diversion project, foundation stone for which was recently laid by Union Minister M. Veerappa Moily, was of no use. “It will not quench your thirst,” he told the people.
“I will arrange a scientific study on the Paramashivaiah report for its proper implementation besides attempting to get water from the Cauvery.”
In between the speech, party workers garlanded Mr. Kumaraswamy even as his companions were busy keeping them inside the cramped vehicle. His security personnel as well as party functionaries were struggling to prevent local party workers from hopping on to the vehicle to get a close glimpse of their leader.
As the cavalcade moved ahead preventing free flow of traffic on the Hessaraghatta Road, supporters once again burst crackers at Huralichikkanahalli. A party worker told The Hindu that public meetings were not arranged as Mr. Kumaraswamy had very little time.
On entering Hessaraghatta village that once quenched the thirst of Bangalore through its reservoir, a huge posse of party workers and people greeted Mr. Kumaraswamy. A party worker, claiming to be a member of the Hessaraghatta grama panchayat, hopped onto the vehicle to get a vantage position beside Mr. Kumaraswamy. “We have been preparing for this for over a fortnight; don’t disappoint us,” he said posing for photographs along with his leader.
A visibly tired Mr. Kumaraswamy then boarded a multi-utility vehicle for his onward journey towards Byatha. Addressing party workers and people at Byatha and Kakolu villages, Mr. Kumaraswamy entered Rajanakunte on Yelahanka -Doddaballapur Road where the crowd was waiting for him for over three hours.
Mr. Kumaraswamy said more seats for the JD(S) means more bargaining power for the State, and sought votes for the party. Later, he moved through Attur Layout, Yelahanka New Town and Yelahanka before winding up the day’s campaigning.
