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Bengaluru, Nov 12 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday, commenting on exit polls predicting NDA’s victory in the Bihar assembly elections, said he does not believe them.
“I don’t believe the exit polls. Even in Karnataka I don’t believe them. There are many things to discuss. We are hopeful that the Grand Alliance will win,” Shivakumar told reporters here.
“People want change and I believe they have supported the Bharat alliance. I have never believed exit polls – that has been my experience and exit polls have often been proven wrong,” he said.
He said, “I am a practical politician. I am confident that the grand alliance will come back to power. I have faith in the people of Bihar.”
Admitting that he has not been to Bihar, Shivakumar said he has heard from his friends that “there is a lot of excitement there”.
“Let’s wait for a day. I never believed exit polls, not even when they showed results in our favour. Let the real results come,” he said.
Shivakumar said that the media had never predicted the victory of Congress in Karnataka through exit polls.
He said, “The media never said that the Congress would come to power in Karnataka. I was confident about the number of seats and our victory. Even in the by-elections, the media had predicted that the Congress would not win. Let the exit pollsters say whatever they want – leave it.”
He commented, “People will either bless us or reject us – that’s part of democracy. Who hasn’t faced defeat? Everyone wins and loses sometimes.”
Asked whether the Bihar election results would impact Karnataka politics, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress chief, said, “There is no need for any discussion on it. It will have no impact on Karnataka politics. Karnataka is a leader in development and social transformation. Our government is committed to the economic upliftment, discipline and dedication of the people.”
Responding to minister Zamir Ahmed Khan’s comment that Shivakumar will become chief minister in 2028 and there will be no leadership change during his tenure, Shivakumar said: “It is good. What is wrong in his statement? The chief minister is in a very good position – let him continue. We are not unhappy with it. We are working together.”
“We are united and we will continue to be united,” he affirmed.
Asked about his Delhi visit, Shivakumar clarified, “I did not meet any Union minister.”
On the Red Fort blast, he said, “This is a serious issue and we all need to remain alert. The Government of India must ensure the security of this country. Ultimately, we want results – they have to deliver results. There have been and continue to be many failures, and many lives have been lost. We must be very careful.”
Regarding Congress leaders demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Shivakumar said, “Let us all join this voice.”
–IANS
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