As scheduled for the upcoming Assembly polls, announced on Wednesday, Karnataka opposition leader Siddaramaiah made a big statement, saying this would be his last election. Speaking to the media, the 75-year-old leader, who is a contender for the Chief Minister post if Congress is voted to power, said that the upcoming elections in the state are going to be his last as he has decided to retire from politics. He also welcomed the Election Commission’s decision to conduct a single-phase assembly election in Karnataka on May 10.
The former Chief Minister expressed his optimism that the Election Commission would hold free and fair elections while accusing the BJP, which is currently in power, of corrupting the electoral process. “We had anticipated the election results to be announced yesterday or today… I’m glad there is only one part to this election, Siddaramaiah told reporters. Rajiv Kumar, the chief election commissioner, stated today at a news conference in New Delhi that the notification for the 224-member Assembly elections would be released on April 13 and that the deadline for submitting nomination papers would be April 20. The former Karnataka Chief Minister said that he sought a ticket from the Kolar constituency, and people are “forcing” him to contest elections there as well. The nomination documents would be examined on April 21, according to Kumar, and the final day to withdraw a nomination would be April 24. Election results will be announced on May 13.
“Last time, there was doubt regarding the results of the Chamundeshwari constituency. That is why I ran from the Badami constituency. This time, I don’t have any doubts. Since the people of the Kolar constituency are forcing me to contest elections, I have sought a ticket from the party to contest from Kolar as well,” he added.
However, the final decision is left to the high command, Siddaramaiah maintained. Speaking about the criticism by the opposition that he is not able to find a constituency for him, Siddaramaiah clarified that this is meaningless talk. “I have been invited to contest in 25 constituencies. I have been invited after ensuring my chances of victory.
“I don’t care for opponents. We will win with the blessings of the people. The dates for the state Assembly elections have been announced.The Congress is ready for elections. The elections need to be conducted in a transparent way. The illegalities have to be prevented. The action has to be taken against all, including ruling party members. There is a possibility of the ruling party influencing the elections. It needs to be prevented, he said.
Siddaramaiah charged the ruling BJP with spending up to Rs 50 crore in the previous by-elections while noting that the Model Code of Conduct had taken effect. «The BJP has tainted the electoral process. They began Operation Lotus and have been spending a lot of money. The election must be held in a free and fair manner, according to the Election Commission. The leader of the opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly said,
