Congress has won many polls since I took PCC reins; high command to decide CM face: DK Shivakumar

How is the Congress’ preparation for the Karnataka Assembly election?
Our work is in full swing; our bus yatra is already rolling and we are receiving a massive response. People of Karnataka have already decided to vote for a change because the BJP government has failed miserably in delivering on its promises. Karnataka has been the centre of development and progress. The Congress will restore its glory by delivering good governance. People are already looking forward to the Congress.

But what about BJP replacing Yediyurappa with Bommai as the CM in a pre-poll image makeover?
The BJP was forced to change the CM because of corruption charges against Yediyurappa. Initially, Amit Shah (Union home minister) came to Karnataka and said the BJP will go into the elections by projecting Bommai’s leadership. Now Shah says the BJP will seek votes in the name of PM Modi. This shows BJP has conceded Bommai can’t ensure a win.

But doesn’t Yediyurappa still remain a key BJP player?
Yediyurappa has been sidelined by the BJP leadership, which is also using corruption cases to force him to margins.

What about Modi’s campaign pitch seeking votes for a ‘double engine’ government in Karnataka?

Iam amused. Is it not under the so-called double-engine government that Karnataka was ruined by the most corrupt and ineffective government, which also did the most horrendous mismanagement during the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in many deaths? BJP’s own MLAs have levelled serious corruption charges against their own government. The people are waiting to vote out this double-engine formula.But what about the BJP argument that the PM’s image and campaign will work to its advantage?
Is PM Modi going to contest the Assembly elections? The PM used to taunt the Congress government as “10% commission government”, but now the contractors association has written to Modi, saying the BJP state government is a “40% commission government”. Under the BJP government, unemployment and inflation have been rising fast. There was a time one used to see petrol pumps sporting photos of the PM assuring women affordable prices. Those photos have now vanished.

If voted to power, how will the Congress deal with corruption charges against BJP government?
The Congress government will institute inquiries into all major corrupt deals and scandals that took place under this BJP state government.

How is the Congress going to find resources to fund its promises, including free power supply and Rs 2,000 to each housewife?
As power minister, I started with a 1,000 MW output, and when I left office, it had gone up to 20,000 MW. I had also significantly cut the transmission losses and launched major solar power projects. We have done our homework for delivering free power and we will walk the talk.

Will the Congress also commit to the Old Pension Scheme in Karnataka?
The Congress has received many representations from various sections of society, urging us to revert to the OPS. We are seriously looking into it. In consultation with the Congress central leadership, our election manifesto panel will take a view on it.

Who will be the CM if Congress is voted to power, you or Siddaramaiah?
Itook over as PCC president (early 2020) following our party’s defeats in various by-elections. I have worked hard since to fulfil my responsibilities as the PCC chief and in rallying the Congress’ fightback. Our party has also won many by-elections since then. Now, there is widespread talk among people about the Congress winning back Karnataka. I will leave the CM decision to the high command, our president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Will you and Siddharamiah work together towards the election?
Of course, yes. We are doing exactly that and will continue to do so.

Do the ED summons bother you, especially in the run up to polls?
Everybody knows the ED actions against me are all politically motivated. Such actions have no credibility.

Would the Congress keep open the option of a post-poll alliance with the JDS?
The JDS always works for a hung verdict to indulge in post-poll manoeuvring. But, Iam confident the Congress wil get a clear majority.