Shivamogga: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah went on the offensive against state BJP chief, B S Yeddyurappa on his home turf on Tuesday, appealing to voters not to elect him as "he had tarnished the image of Shivamogga with his corruption." The BJP leader currently represents the constituency in parliament.

Calling Mr Yeddyurappa corrupt a couple of times in his speech at a public meeting held as part of his campaigning for the coming assembly poll, he said, "I fervently appeal to voters of Shivamogga not to elect Mr Yeddyurappa as this will allow the corrupt BJP to come back to power in the state. It's our responsibility to stop it."




Recalling that the late Chief Ministers, Kadidal Manjappa and S Bangarappa of the Congress were also from Shivammogga, he said they were not corrupt, but Mr Yeddyurappa had hurt the reputation of the district by indulging in it. "The BJP's only contribution to Shivamogga is to sow hatred among the Hindus and Muslims here," he charged.

The Chief Minister claimed there was no anti-incumbency in the state as people were happy with the many welfare programmes launched by his government and declared it would be elected for a second term.

"The assembly poll of May 12 will change the course of national politics," he maintained, urging the voters to help Congress president, Rahul Gandhi change it.

Claiming that the Janata Dal (Secular) had arrived at an understanding with the BJP for the state poll, he said their dream of coming to power would not come true and the Congress would return for a second term.

"Voting for the JD(S) is like backing the communal BJP as it can hardly win 25 seats on its own," he added.