‘Govt shying away from discussing steel bridge issue’

BENGALURU: Union minister DV Sadananda Gowda, seeking a second term from Bengaluru North, says this election is all about voting for stable government and able leadership, and none other than BJP and PM Narendra Modi can be people’s choice.
What is your reading of the ground-level situation?
I see the situation far better than what it was in 2014. People have accepted Modi as their leader and they are really, really happy with his administration and programmes.
But Congress and other political opponents say Modi did nothing, but making big claims...
The Modi government has done a tremendous job in terms of ensuring national security, financial discipline and corruption-free administration. Programmes like Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala, skill development and generic medicines have all helped the common man. Opposition parties have nothing to say. That is why they are spreading falsehood.
If the government has done so much, then why is the BJP’s campaign revolving mainly around issues like surgical strike, Pakistan, Hindutva etc?
Among others, national security is also an important issue and it needs to be highlighted.
If terror activities are not controlled, there is a danger to every citizen of the country. That is why Modi took a decisive action against terrorists. Congress cannot even think of such actions. In its manifesto, they have said special power given to armed forces will be reviewed. It shows they’re ready to compromise with national security for minorities’ votes.
How you are positioned against Krishna Byregowda of Congress?
Last time, I had won by 2.3 lakh votes. This time, the situation is more favourable to me. Like in rest of the country, here also there is a strong Modi wave. Many Congress and JD(S) leaders privately confide that Modi should get a second tenure.
What is your stand on the steel bridge?
The procedure adopted by the previous government and sudden enhancement of cost created a huge suspicion in the minds of the voters. So, l opposed it. I told then Bengaluru minister KJ George: Let us sit and sort out issues. But they are not ready.