By S. B. Devaraj

Kaveesh Gowda is a first-time candidate for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Chamundeshwari Assembly Constituency and the upcoming Legislative Assembly election, scheduled for May 10, is his debut election. Despite this, he is leaving no stone unturned in his campaign efforts, engaging in intense canvassing and receiving an overwhelming response from the people.

Kaveesh comes from a family with a political background, as his father Vasu is the former MLA of Chamaraja Constituency. In terms of academics, Kaveesh holds a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Belagavi, an LLB from Karnataka State Law University (KSLU) and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Cardiff University in the United Kingdom.

In addition to his legal practice, 40-year-old Kaveesh is successfully managing educational institutions as the Secretary of Vidya Vikas Educational Trust (VVET). Despite being new to politics, Kaveesh has spoken about numerous issues in Chamundeshwari Constituency, including people’s responses, with Star of Mysore, showing his determination to brave the political weather. Excerpts:

Star of Mysore (SOM): You have got an opportunity to contest the elections for the first time.               Your reaction?

Kaveesh: Yes, with the clear intention of bringing effective changes by grooming more youngsters, the BJP has zeroed in on me and I am happy about that. Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes that if the youths get an opportunity, they will be crusaders against corruption.

Moreover, if professionals are engaged in active politics, they will strive to reach all the benefits of the Government to the people, showing their concern for the hoi polloi. I am grateful to BJP National and State-level leaders and all the voters of the Constituency, where I was particular about taking the electoral plunge.

SOM: How is the voter response in Chamundeshwari?

Kaveesh: The response is good and the wave of change has started blowing in the Constituency, as even voters are insisting on bringing a change. BJP has never won elections in Chamundeshwari Constituency, but the voters are pledging their support to the party this time. The voters are also aware of my academic strength and successful career as an educationist and participating in various activities along with my father from grassroots level.

The people have enormous faith in me, upon seeing which I am also happy. There is a feeling among the voters that this youth is development-oriented and is keen to implement the schemes of Central and State Governments.

SOM: Are you aware of the issues in the Constituency?

Kaveesh: Yes, the lack of adequate infrastructural facilities is visible in any village or locality in the Constituency. Even the people have been airing grievances related to potable drinking water, underground drainage and the pathetic condition of lakes, to list a few. I grew up amid people and am well aware of the issues and also know the solutions to them.

SOM: If you win, what will be the first priority?

Kaveesh: My first priority will be to provide adequate basic infrastructural facilities to all, as it is impossible to develop the Constituency by neglecting the basic requirements of the people. Apart from this, I will effectively work towards providing jobs, education, health and conservation of the environment.

SOM: What are the issues that the voters have been raising during your campaign?

Kaveesh: The main issues that the voters have been raising are the lack of adequate infrastructural facilities, such as inadequate underground drainage network, poor garbage collection and disposal and contamination of lakes due to the free flow of sewage water. There are also issues related to the supply of drinking water, unhygienic conditions leading to the threat of diseases and poor-quality education in Government schools and colleges.

SOM: What promises have you made to the voters during your campaign?

Kaveesh: My promises to the voters include providing adequate drinking water, improving the UGD network, ensuring good roads and other basic amenities, setting up more government institutions for quality education, establishing a hospital with hi-tech facilities, and creating job opportunities. I have also emphasised the importance of fighting against corruption, promoting equal opportunities for men and women and providing training to the youths to help them become self-reliant.

SOM: Have you used any tactics to woo young voters?

Kaveesh: As a young candidate myself, I have stressed on the need to build a better society based on honesty and values and to fight against corruption. I have urged young voters not to sell their votes for money, but to work together to bring about positive changes. I have also highlighted the importance of providing equal opportunities to men and women, and creating a conducive environment for job creation and self-reliance.