Will BJP field Siddaramaiah against Nikhil Kumaraswamy in Mandya?

Mandya: Ever since the JD(S) announced that Nikhil Kumaraswamy would be contesting the Lok Sabha elections, problems are indeed galore. While the JD(S) top leadership is trying its best to assuage frayed tempers, nothing seems to be working out for them.

Honestly, the problems don’t confine themselves to the JD(S). The BJP too has been dragged into the issue. A few months ago, when the bypolls in Mandya, Karnataka, were held, the BJP had fielded Siddaramaiah. But it was LR Shivaramegowda of the JD(S), who emerged victorious.

Now, with Nikhil throwing his hat into the ring, Siddaramaiah wants to contest again. In this regard, he met BS Yeddyurappa, the state BJP president and requested him to consider his aspiration. But the BJP state president reportedly has asked him to wait, and when matters finalise, the president has assured him to look into the issue.

But there is more to it than meets the eye. The widow of Ambareesh, Sumalatha, too wants to contest the Mandya polls, but it is aptly clear that the JD(S) will not be offering her a ticket. So there are high chances that she might be contesting as an independent. That is the reason why she has been touring the constituency and meeting people, and trying to solve their problems. She has also got support from the Sandalwood industry in this regard.

That Sumalatha is a popular figure, the JD(S) is a little perturbed there will be a split in the votes, and that it might affect Nikhil’s chances. This is precisely the reason why the JD(S) is trying hard to prevail upon Sumalatha to opt out of the fray. But the BJP smells a chance here and doesn’t mind offering her a ticket.

If that happens, it is Siddaramaiah, who will feel the pinch. And that is the reason why he is trying so hard and influence BS Yeddyurappa to consider him, say party sources.

 

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