Bangalore: Ahead of the Channapatna assembly bypolls, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar assured voters on Friday that a vote for Congress would effectively be a vote for him, regardless of the candidate fielded by the party. Speaking from his residence in Sadashivanagar, he emphasized his role as the issuer of the 'B' form and signatory, declaring, "I am the one who issues 'B' form and I am the signatory for it. Hence, it is a vote for me no matter who contests."

Shivakumar addressed concerns about the BJP-JDS alliance for the bypoll, stating, "It doesn't matter who joins hands. We are serving the people and they will make the right decision." On the topic of C P Yogeshwar potentially joining Congress, he dismissed media speculation, saying, "I don't know why the media asks such questions. No one has come to me and there is nothing on the table." He also expressed disbelief in reports suggesting Yogeshwar might contest as an independent if not given a Congress ticket.

Shivakumar highlighted recent efforts by the Congress government, including a job fair aimed at youth employment and progress on the Yettinahole project, which he promised would be inaugurated soon. He stated, "We are making an honest attempt to serve the people, and we are committed to fulfilling our promises."

Regarding the Congress's 'Raj Bhavan Chalo' march, Shivakumar mentioned that the Governor had scheduled an appointment for Saturday to address their concerns. This march is seen as a counter to the BJP's recent padayatra demanding the Chief Minister's resignation over a land allotment controversy. In response, Shivakumar announced that the Congress would use the march to seek the prosecution of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy in a mining lease case.

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