Congress leader and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday sounded optimistic about the ability of the coalition government in the state to complete its term. 

"All the deadlines given by BJP regarding the downfall of Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka have come to an end. Thus the government is not falling anytime and the alliance is going strong," said former chief minister and Congress Coordination Committee chief Siddaramaiah.

He was replying to BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje's comments that Siddaramaiah is a toothless snake.

Speaking about Shobha  Karandlaje's comment, Siddaramaiah said, "Does she have the needed teeth? Does she have any morality to blame me? Didn't she lose against Congress candidate in Rajajinagar in the Assembly election? Let her first learn to keep her teeth (and tongue) under control while speaking."

Siddaramaiah is also set to campaign for Congress and JD(S) candidates in the five constituencies that will witness by-election soon. "JD(S) candidates will win Mandya, Ramanagara and Shivamogga and Congress will win Jamakhandi and Ballari. I will campaign in all the five constituencies," he said.

Meanwhile, BJP is soaring from its victory in Shivamogga constituency during the Assembly election and is ready to face the Congress candidate in the by-election.
Congress's contradicting statements on according separate religion status for Lingayats will mar the party this by-election, sources in the BJP say.