Minister in charge of Mysuru district S.T. Somashekar on Friday said that the party’s campaign for the election to South Graduates’ Constituency has been launched and that he would seek votes for the party’s candidate M.V. Ravishankar during campaign sessions across Mysuru district from April 11 to 14.
Speaking to reporters here, he said the party has been seeking the support of various personalities and academicians, including former vice-chancellors. “We have sought the support of former VC K.S. Rangappa,” he said.
Replying to queries on the meeting of former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar with Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah, he said that no special meaning should be attached to it as Mr. Shettar is not visiting Delhi for the first time and had gone there on many occasions in connection with works.
On the move to merge the DCC banks with the Apex Bank, Mr. Somashekar, who is also the Minister for Cooperation, said the government is mulling over the proposal and such mergers had taken place in other States. A team of officials will visit those states to know more about the merger process and how it has benefited farmers. After studying the pros and cons of the process, a report will be submitted to the Centre.
Responding to the opposition to the ropeway project at Chamundi Hills, he said the issue will be discussed with the Chief Minister. The focus is on Mysuru’s development and it includes the Film City project, expansion of the Mysuru airport and the upgradation of the public healthcare facilities such as K.R. Hospital.
He denied reports that the election to Mayoral posts was being deliberately delayed and added that leaders will act according to the directions of the party high command with regard to the support from the JD(S) which backed the BJP candidate last year.
Mayor Sunanda Palanetra’s term as the Mayor of Mysuru concluded in February.
“Our Mayor’s term has ended. She has worked impartially. She has a lot of interests for Mysuru’s development and she now hopes to present the budget,” the Minister replied to queries from reporters.