Hitting the campaign trail in Nanjangud constituency for the crucial Apr. 9 by-poll, Union Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation Ramesh Jigajinagi undertook a padayatra in several villages of the constituency today.

Speaking to press persons during the course of his campaign at Kattawadipura in the taluk, Ramesh Jigajinagi said that he was fortunate to be a Member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet.

Pointing out that he was a five-time MP and a former MLA for four terms, the Minister said that he had opposed the Congress throughout his life as the Congress always treated Dalits only as vote bank and did nothing for their betterment.

Lashing out at the Congress for shedding crocodile tears towards Dalits, the Union Minister cautioned the community members not to fall prey to money and liquor inducements  by the Congress.

Stating that V. Sreenivasa Prasad quit the Congress in order to maintain his self respect, Jigajinagi said that he had come to the doorsteps of the villagers seeking votes for Prasad.

He appealed the electorate to ensure victory of Prasad and thus open the doors for real development in the constituency.

Former Ministers A. Narayanaswamy and S.A. Ramdas, former MLC C. Ramesh, advocate Arun Kumar, District BJP President M. Shivanna and others were present.

BSY campaigns in  Badanavalu ZP

Meanwhile, former CM and State BJP President, B.S. Yeddyurappa (BSY), undertook a brisk campaign at Devarasanahalli in Badanavalu Zilla Panchayat (ZP) this morning.

Appealing the voters to reject the Congress, Yeddyurappa said that he saw a wave of support for the BJP wherever he canvassed.

BJP candidate V. Sreenivasa Prasad, former Ministers Shobha Karandlaje and V. Somanna, former MUDA Chairman K.R. Mohan Kumar, leaders S. Mahadevaiah, K.K. Jayadev, Shivaram and others were present.