Exclusive: BS Yeddyurappa talks of Lok Sabha elections and Modi wave

Bangalore, April 16: "Movie stars come and go. People only gather to see the film stars. But, election is different. Presence of stars will have no effect on elections. No one can stop me from winning and no one can stop Modi from becoming prime minister."

These were the words of Karnataka's former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, who is contesting for Lok Sabha Election for Shimoga constituency for the first time.

Standing against Yeddyurappa on JD(S) ticket is Geeta Shivarajkumar, wife of super star Shivarajkumar and daughter of late S Bangarappa . She is considered to be his strong opponent.

Yeddyurappa, unperturbed by glitters of film stars, is confident of winning. He spoke to Oneindia at his residence in Vinoba Nagar in Shimoga and shared his plans for the development of Shimoga, his home constituency.

Here are the excerpts from the interview:

OneIndia: Why are you contesting from Shimoga constituency? Is your son, sitting MP Raghavendra not capable of winning again?

BSY: After winning in 2009 my son Raghavendra has done excellent work in the constituency. But, senior leaders in the party wanted me to contest this time. The decision was taken by high command, which I have to oblige.

OneIndia: Do you see the contest is between Yeddyurappa and Bangarappa family?

BSY: Not at all. Anyone can participate in the election. Bangarappa lost against my son in LS poll, he got defeated against me in Assembly election. But, the present one should not be construed as fight between two families.

OneIndia: It is being told that you are eying for berth in central government. Is it true?

BSY: Who told you that? I have never said this anywhere. Narendra Modi will surely become PM and I will serve the party and nation in whatever capacity to be entrusted to me. I am not running after power. Once Atal Bihari Vajyapee had advised me to get into parliament. I had rejected it.

OneIndia: What are the main issues for you this election?

BSY: I am going in front of the people with misgovernance by state and central government. Everybody wants Narendra Modi to become prime minister. I will convey the same to the people.

OneIndia: Who is your opponent?

BSY: This is not the right time to express my view. I can only say that Congress and JD(S) are contesting for the second position. All will be decided by the people here.

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