Udupi-Chikmagalur Bypoll: ‘Don’t need big guns to win’

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Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda declared on Thursday that the party did not need ‘big leaders,’ campaigning for it to win the Udupi-Chikmagalur byelection, clearly hinting at the absence of former chief minister B.S. Yedd-yurappa and ministers loyal to him, who have largely stayed away from the constituency in the run -up to the March 18 bypoll.

While many of the ministers backing Mr Yeddyurappa have entirely distanced themselves from the campaign, some have participated for a day or two at the most. While Mr Sadananda Gowda made no direct reference to any minister, he maintained the BJP would win because of the hard work of the party workers and not the efforts of the ‘big leaders.’

“I am sure the BJP will win without the big leaders. We don't need them to win. The efforts of the party workers will ensure that the BJP candidate emerges victorious in this election,” he said, addressing party workers at the BJP Udupi office Thursday morning.

The Chief Minister claimed the poorly received Railway Budget would impact the Congress' chances in the by- election.

Speaking to reporters, state BJP president K.S. Eshwarappa, said there was extraordinary support for the BJP in the constituency.

“The developmental work undertaken by Mr Sadananda Gowda as Member of Parliament here will ensure a BJP win here,” he added.

About Mr Yeddyurappa's absence from the campaign, he recalled that he had said he would not be a part of it. “The ministers we asked to come have worked hor the party's victory. I have no information about Yeddyurappa coming to campaign,” he added.