Davanagere (Karnataka), March 31 (NationPress) In response to Minister for Waqf and Housing, Zameer Ahmad Khan's supposed hesitance to campaign in Davanagere, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President, D.K. Shivakumar remarked on Tuesday, “The party isn't dependent on any single person. It doesn’t revolve around D.K. Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah, or Zameer Ahmad Khan. It thrives on ideology and dedicated workers. We have been tirelessly preparing for elections.

Shivakumar made these comments in Davanagere city, where he was accompanied by AICC General Secretary and Karnataka Incharge, Randeep Singh Surjewala. His statement gains importance amid the ongoing power struggle between him and CM Siddaramaiah.

When asked about discontent in Davanagere, he asserted that the party has addressed internal issues and is now functioning in harmony.

“The Congress party aims to unify all communities and sections. The late Shamanur Shivashankarappa, former president of the National Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, made significant contributions. I conducted a distinct survey here, and the community remembers his support during the COVID crisis and his impact in the education sector,” he mentioned.

He expressed optimism that the Congress candidate in Davanagere South, Samarth Shamanur Mallikarjun, will achieve a significant victory in the bye-election.

Regarding Zameer Ahmad Khan's involvement in the campaign, he stated that Khan has been assigned responsibilities for the Kerala elections, along with other minority leaders.

It's worth noting that Minister Zameer is reportedly unhappy with comments made by Minister S.S. Mallikarjun, the father of candidate Samarth. During the ticket distribution, Mallikarjun had openly opposed Zameer’s attempts to secure a ticket for a Muslim candidate, questioning Zameer's authority and suggesting he restrict his efforts to Bengaluru. Subsequently, Mallikarjun implied that it would be preferable for Zameer to abstain from campaigning.

Additionally, it's important to mention that Minister Zameer is closely affiliated with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

In response to further media inquiries, Deputy CM Shivakumar stated, "The BJP accuses us of appeasing minorities and branding us as a Muslim party. Safeguarding minorities is our obligation. From this standpoint, we have bestowed a Legislative Council position to K. Abdul Jabbar from this area, as well as ensuring Muslim representation in the Shiggaon Assembly seat. Sixteen chairperson positions on corporation boards have been allocated to minorities.”

Shivakumar emphasized that the local populace continues to honor the legacy and contributions of the late Shamanur Shivashankarappa.

When questioned about campaigning in the two bypoll constituencies, he noted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already commenced his campaign, with party leaders assigned roles throughout the state and beyond.

“I have just returned from a two-day campaign in Assam. Today, I will campaign in Davanagere, tomorrow in Bagalkote, and then return to both locations. In the meantime, I will also campaign for two days in Kerala and one day in Assam,” he explained.

He pointed out that thousands of students come from outside to study in this district due to Shivashankarappa’s initiatives, which have brought recognition to the area.

"The community has decided to bolster his family. Approximately 79 percent have indicated they will support the Congress candidate, which is quite promising. Our guarantee schemes have benefited every household. Around 59,000 underprivileged women are taking advantage of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, 1.40 lakh individuals are receiving aid through the Anna Bhagya scheme, and 59,000 households enjoy free electricity. Women also ride for free on buses,” he detailed.

Deputy CM Shivakumar remarked that the costs of essential goods like gas, petrol, diesel, iron, and cement are increasing and will likely continue to do so.

“To shield citizens from this inflation, the Congress government has rolled out guarantee schemes, and their significance is becoming evident,” he concluded.