The people of Badami welcome Siddaramaiah, but have this clause

The suspense regarding Siddaramaiah's candidature from a second seat has ended and it is now confirmed that he would contest from Badami too. While reports have suggested that the Chief Minister opted for this seat because he was shaky in Chamundeshwari, he has denied the same.

Contesting from Badami would not just give the CM a safe cushion, but is also expected to help the Congress in North Karnataka which has been a BJP stronghold.

Siddaramaiah has consistently maintained that he was contesting from Badami owing to pressure from leaders of that region. He has also said that the people of the region too wanted him to contest the seat. Both the voters and leaders who have backed his candidature say that they have one pre-condition.

If Siddaramaiah ends up winning both he should not sacrifice the Badami constituency. They want him to retain the constituency and resign from Chamundeshwari. The local leadership too is of the same view and say that if he decides to opt out of Badami in case he wins both parties then infighting would increase.

The party workers, in particular, say that it would be a let down for them if he gives up this seat. In Siddaramaiah not only does the Congress plan on stopping the infighting, but also ensure development in the area.