Independent candidate B. Sreeramulu who romped home in the Bellary ST seat by-election on Sunday, has proved that people overwhelmingly supported his contention that his swabhimana was hurt after his name figured in the the Lokayukta report on the illegal mining scam.

Severing his 12-year long association with BJP, the former health minister contested the by-election on the fan symbol and emerged victorious securing 60 per cent of the 1, 23,369 votes polled.

He is now set to emerge as a leader of the backward communities and change political equations in the next general elections to the state Assembly by floating his own regional party.

Excerpts from an interview:

It’s really an amazing margin. Did you expect this huge lead?

Yes. I was confident of emerging victorious with a record margin. It’s a victory for “Swabhimana”. I dedicate this victory to the people of my constituency and Karnataka. I convey my gratitude to every “voter God” by touching their feet.

What worked in your favour in this fiercely fought triangular contest? Is it a sympathy wave?

The entire state government machinery, the Chief Minister, a former CM, his cabinet colleagues, Union ministers, top leaders of BJP and Congress camped in Bellary and carried out a campaign against me. I and my friend Janardhan Reddy toured the state extensively and did our best to bring the BJP to power for the first time in South India. I even sacrificed my minister’s post to enable B.S. Yeddyurappa become CM during the tenure of the BJP-JD(S) alliance government.

But, BJP leaders hatched a conspiracy to finish me off as they do not want to see a backward Valmiki community leader gain prominence in state politics. So, they backstabbed me forgetting our contribution to the party.

But, people of my constituency did not forget me and stood by me, teaching a befitting lesson to these betrayers. I am grateful to JD(S) chief H.D. Kumaraswamy, JD(U) state head M.P. Nadagouda, leaders of Ahinda movement and seers of various Lingayat maths who supported me in this election.

The result has proved that the BJP needs you for its survival in Bellary. But, Sreeramulu does not need BJP to make his political fortunes. Comment.

One big question haunting people after I quit BJP was whether Sreeramulu had grown up in politics because of BJP support or the BJP developed into a strong force in Bellary because of me and my friends — the Reddy brothers.

The result of the election has given a clear answer. Of course, Sushma Swaraj (Opposition lelader in the Lok Sabha) planted the BJP sapling in the district but today, she has distanced herself from us. She can keep us away if she wants but I still consider her my mother.

Immediately after your victory, Bellary City MLA Somashekhar Reddy is demanding the dissolution of the Assembly. Will you bring down the BJP government if they don’t dissolve the House?

I will talk to Somashekhar Reddy and convince him not to push for dissolution. I reiterate that the BJP government will not face any problem from my side. We are letting this government continue respecting the people’s mandate and not because of the chief minister. I don’t want to insult people of Karnataka by dethroning this government.

People had given a mandate to BJP to rule the state for a full five years. Sreeramulu is a person who believes in building governments, not destroying them. Therefore, I will not sabotage the people’s verdict.

Why? Do you want to go back to the BJP? Is that why you do not want to bring down the government?

I have always stood by the decisions I have taken. There is no question of returning to BJP. As for state BJP chief K.S. Eshswarappa’s declaration that the doors of the BJP are closed for me, I have already replied saying I will buy a Godrej lock and give it to him so that he can ensure the door is safely locked.

There is speculation on your strength. You claim to have the support of 30 MLAs. Why did they not join you during the election?

I contested this by-election as an Independent candidate rebelling against BJP. Many of the MLAs supporting me are not strong enough to come out in the open against the ruling party by campaigning for me. There is no doubt about the number of MLAs supporting me. They are all with me and will definitely join me when the time comes.

Politicians may tend to dismiss your claim that you have the support of so many MLAs. How will you prove your strength?

I believe in God almighty who knows my strength. I don’t want to be speak too much about this but will prove it.

Are you really serious about forming a political outfit?

Yes. I am serious about launching a new party. I will take people from all walks of life, the lower and upper castes into confidence and launch a new regional party after my friend Janardhan Reddy returns from the prison in Hyderabad.

You talk of launching a new party on the lines of Mayawati’s BSP. The social fabric of Karnataka is entirely different from Uttar Pradesh. How will you ensure your party survives here?

I know that regional parties launched earlier by Devraj Urs, Gundurao, Bangarappa and others died early. I will evolve my own political Sutra and will successfully accomplish it.