CHANNAPATNA, 9 NOV

Political stakes are high for Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President DK Shivakumar in the Channapatna bypoll, which happens to be his home turf as well as his political opponent Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy.

Q: Do you still hold on to your statement that you are the “actual” candidate from Channapatna, though Congress' CP Yogeeshwara has his own vote base?

A: Of course I am the candidate. I have taken the moral responsibility for Yogeeshwara's prospects in this bypoll.  I am asking for votes for myself. Though Congress has fielded Yogeeshwara, I am taking up the responsibility for the development of the taluk and my relationship with the people is good.

Q: As KPCC President and DyCM are the three Assembly bypolls a referendum on the government?

A: Of course. We are getting positive results from the three constituencies and we are sure we will win them comfortably.