Udupi: Eager to identify himself as a coastal leader as well, with a star marriage connection, and to establish JD-S on a firm footing when there is not a single JD-S elected representative here, the state JD-S chief and MP, H.D. Kumaraswamy has shown confidence in local people voting for his Candidate Bhoje Gowda, in the by-polls due on March 18 for MP seat.

HDK found dismay in Karkala and Kundapur talukas, where citizens sought a change from BJP and Congress both.

He spoke to reporters in a meet held in Hotel Kidiyoor here on Wednesday. The desire for a change among local people, could herald a newera of JD-S, he felt.

The by-poll would give a fitting answer to those who thought JD-S here was weak.

He criticised the bad rule of BJP and the apathy shown towards local voters by Congress Projects remained incomplete, he pointed out.