Karnataka by-polls: HD Deve Gowda hits back at Congress candidate

Channapatna/ Ramanagara (Karnataka) [India], November 6 (ANI): Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda directly questioned the Congress candidate CP Yogeshwar, saying, "He claims to have filled 17 lakes, but who originally built the Iggalur Dam that enabled this?"
Yogeshwar is the congress candidate from Channapattana by-poll constituency. He is facing NDA candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy
While campaigning in support of Nikhil Kumaraswamy in Tittamaranahalli, Makali, Nagavara, and Bevoor, Gowda took aim at CP Yogeshwar, challenging his claims.
"Yogeshwar calls himself a Bhagirath for having contested two elections. When I was Chief Minister, I brought in engineers and allocated Rs 150 crore. I inaugurated the dam by boat--people of the area and engineers witnessed it firsthand. At that time, I ensured water reached the lakes. I committed to the welfare of Channapatna and Ramanagara by constructing the Iggalur reservoir. Later, during Sadananda Gowda's tenure as CM, funds were allocated to fill 17 lakes. That was a BJP government, yet Yogeshwar did nothing. So why didn't Yogeshwar get it done under the Congress government?" the former PM asked.
"They are Bhagirath only in words, not in deeds. Sadananda Gowda and I achieved this work in action. There's no need to walk around making false claims. Yogeshwar has been with every political party by now," said the former PM.
He called himself the son of a humble farmer.
"Who provided drinking water to Channapatna? I gave water pumped from Kerekadanahalli to Channapatna and Ramanagara, which now goes to Bengaluru. I, the person who provided you with water, stand here alive before you. I am the son of a humble farmer who has achieved much, and there's a book about my work--read it," he urged the crowd.
The former PM took a dig at Congress over the promise of their guarantee schemes.
"Five guarantees, they say. Yet someone points out that there's trouble with one of them. PM Modi deposits funds in farmers' accounts each year. I'm the one who provided rice at Rs 2 and wheat and sugar at Rs 3 per kg, and I sit here before you. Young people should read and learn what this Gowda has done. Including Almatti, I have built seven dams," he stated.
He also alleged that Congress legislators are looting and ending up in Jail.
"Today, we must work to uproot Congress from the country. That party has done no good for the nation. Congress MLAs are looting and ending up in jail. Who else should speak out against this? We need to raise youth to put a stop to it, and we need a candidate like Nikhil Kumaraswamy," he concluded. (ANI)