R. Ashok was speaking after releasing the BJP’s manifesto for the Davangere polls on Tuesday. | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO
Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok and others released the BJP manifesto for the Davangere assembly polls on Tuesday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok urges members of the Muslim community to defeat Congress candidate Samarth Shamanuru Mallikarjuna in the Davangere by-election as his victory will deny them entry into the Congress for the next 50 years.
After releasing the BJP’s manifesto for the Davangere elections on Tuesday, Mr. Ashok said that Samarth was only 27 years old and his victory would mean that he would not leave the constituency forever.
“Then Muslims will have to wait for another two to three generations. But if Congress loses, Muslims can get a party ticket next time,” he said.
He said Congress kept Dalits and backward classes away and now Muslims are not allowed anywhere.
A congressional candidate’s victory will further increase the family’s ruthlessness and its exploitation of the public, he said.
He urged voters to stand against such dictatorial political families and elect BJP’s Dalit candidate Srinivas Dasakariyappa.
Former Union minister GM Siddeshwar, former minister MP Renuakacharya and several other leaders were present.
In the 12-point manifesto, the BJP promised good roads and infrastructure, better health services, education, employment, industry, cleanliness, women’s development, protection of farmers’ interests, better transport, transparent governance and drinking water.
Published – 31 March 2026 20:19 IST
