Bengaluru, May 3 (IANS) Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday expressed confidence that the BJP will win both Assembly by-elections in Karnataka and also secure a majority in West Bengal and Assam.

Speaking to the media in Koppal, Bommai said that the BJP would emerge victorious in the two constituencies, with the by-election results to be announced on Monday.

“Based on our achievements and the organised campaign we carried out, we are confident of winning in Bagalkot and Davanagere South constituencies. Surveys also indicate that the BJP will win in West Bengal and Assam. This time, there will be a major change in West Bengal, and the results will alter the political direction of the country,” he said.

Responding to a question on the Congress candidate’s reported defeat in the Sringeri Assembly constituency following the recount of votes, Bommai said the development had caused embarrassment to the Congress.

He alleged that the party is taking the state “backward” and even dragging the electoral process to “primitive times”.

“Technology has advanced significantly, and elections have been conducted under Congress leadership as well. But since the party is losing, it is now leaning towards ballot paper methods. However, even after allegedly resorting to manipulation in ballot paper voting, the Congress has faced defeat, which is a major embarrassment,” he said.

Replying to another question on governance, Bommai alleged that the Congress government in the state has “collapsed” and that the administration has come to a standstill.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new building of the Sri Gavisiddheshwara Gurukul Pre-University Residential College for girls at Kolur-Katralli village in Koppal district, Bommai further said that the future of the country lies in educational institutions and expressed hope that Koppal would emerge as a global centre of learning.

Bommai said that the seers of the Gavisiddheshwara Mutt are imparting not just knowledge but also values to around 1,500 students with dedication.

He said that in the past, those who owned land ruled the world, which led to wars among kings for territory. “Later, those who had wealth ruled the world. England, which is smaller than Karnataka, once ruled over 139 countries. But in the 21st century, it is not those with money who will dominate, but those who possess knowledge,” he said.

Bommai added that while the US President is important, figures like Elon Musk hold significant influence due to their knowledge and innovation. “Earlier, when global leaders visited India, they would first go to Delhi. Now they come to Bengaluru because it has knowledge hubs like Infosys,” he said.

He noted that the institution established by the seers should become a centre of knowledge and contribute to making Koppal a prominent educational hub.

–IANS

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