<p>Kusumavati, widow of C S Shivalli, who represented Kundgol in the Assembly, is a political novice. Shivalli's untimely death compelled her to contest the byelection. It was CLP leader Siddaramaiah, who persuaded her to enter the fray. Kusumavati told <span class="italic">DH</span> in an interaction that she solely depends on the sympathy factor to get votes. Excerpts:</p>.<p class="Question">On what plank have you entered the fray?</p>.<p>My husband has worked tirelessly for the development of the constituency. He was a three-time MLA and was also inducted into the coalition Cabinet in 2018. Shivalli had a vision for the development of the taluk and I will step into his shoes and work as per the aspirations of the people. I want to ensure that the projects envisaged by my husband become a reality during my tenure.</p>.<p class="Question">How is the response for your candidature in the constituency?</p>.<p>Wherever I go in the constituency, there is an overwhelming response from the voters. The people here feel that I am their daughter and are backing me. Over time, my husband had won the hearts of the people in the taluk and I am confident that the same faith and trust will be reposed in me.</p>.<p class="Question">On what issues are you going to the electorate?</p>.<p>My husband had initiated several plans for the comprehensive development of the taluk. Drinking water issues will be resolved, permanent multi-village water projects will be implemented and processing units for chillies, which is the major crop here, will be established at the hobli-level.</p>.<p class="Question">Are you happy with the support from the Congress leaders?</p>.<p>The senior Congress leaders have been working day and night for my victory. The credit will go to the party’s top brass and party workers if I win the election. There is a sympathy wave too and people will vote for me.</p>
<p>Kusumavati, widow of C S Shivalli, who represented Kundgol in the Assembly, is a political novice. Shivalli's untimely death compelled her to contest the byelection. It was CLP leader Siddaramaiah, who persuaded her to enter the fray. Kusumavati told <span class="italic">DH</span> in an interaction that she solely depends on the sympathy factor to get votes. Excerpts:</p>.<p class="Question">On what plank have you entered the fray?</p>.<p>My husband has worked tirelessly for the development of the constituency. He was a three-time MLA and was also inducted into the coalition Cabinet in 2018. Shivalli had a vision for the development of the taluk and I will step into his shoes and work as per the aspirations of the people. I want to ensure that the projects envisaged by my husband become a reality during my tenure.</p>.<p class="Question">How is the response for your candidature in the constituency?</p>.<p>Wherever I go in the constituency, there is an overwhelming response from the voters. The people here feel that I am their daughter and are backing me. Over time, my husband had won the hearts of the people in the taluk and I am confident that the same faith and trust will be reposed in me.</p>.<p class="Question">On what issues are you going to the electorate?</p>.<p>My husband had initiated several plans for the comprehensive development of the taluk. Drinking water issues will be resolved, permanent multi-village water projects will be implemented and processing units for chillies, which is the major crop here, will be established at the hobli-level.</p>.<p class="Question">Are you happy with the support from the Congress leaders?</p>.<p>The senior Congress leaders have been working day and night for my victory. The credit will go to the party’s top brass and party workers if I win the election. There is a sympathy wave too and people will vote for me.</p>