India
Congress and JD(S) claim that with Ananth Kumar being unwell, his wife may contest from Bengaluru south for 2019 Lok Sabha election. BJP leaders say that Ananth Kumar is doing better and is healthy. He will only contest and win.
By naming Congress leader MC Venugopal from Bengaluru South Lok Sabha region as its official candidate for Legislative Council by-election, the Congress is signalling that it is ready to take on BJP stalwart HN Ananth Kumar, MP from that region who has won for a record six times since 1996.
MC Venugopal, a defeated candidate in 2013 Assembly elections against BJP, was an aspirant in 2018, but was convinced to give away his seat to accommodate Ramalinga Reddy's daughter Sowmya Reddy from Jayanagar. Being Congress leader G Parameshwara's supporter, Venugopal was offered MLC position. Ramalinga Reddy is also said to have promised Venugopal for the same.
By taking Venugopal into confidence, Ramalinga Reddy cleared the decks in this region for himself and his daughter. Congress, having won BTM, Vijayanagar and Jayanagar assembly seat, is preparing to take on Ananth Kumar in 2019.
"Ramalinga Reddy is a clever politician and knows how to give good administration. He has good equations with neighbouring MLAs (Congress or BJP). His understanding with Bommanahalli MLA Sateesh Reddy and Uday Garudachar of Chikpete is good. Chikpete being an old region of Jayanagar Assembly before delimitation, Ramalinga Reddy enjoys support there too. And Bommanahalli is a Reddy community belt," said a senior Congress leader.
However, Ramalinga Reddy seems hesitant and says he is happy being what he is now. When asked about his interest to contest as MP, he said, "I am not an aspirant. If at all my party asks me to contest, I will reject the offer."
JD(S) MLC TA Sharavana said, "Ananth Kumar is not well. The party may ask his wife to contest. We are still strong. JD(S) will cooperate. Regarding Ramalinga Reddy's candidature for Bengaluru South, there is no doubt he is a good leader and can take everyone into confidence."
However, BJP leader and two time MP from Bengaluru Central, PC Mohan said that Ananth Kumar is doing better and is healthy. He will only contest and win. "He is my leader and he helped me win elections from Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha seat. He will only stand for elections this time from Bengaluru South and will win. I am not bothered who the Congress fields against my leader," stressed Mohan.
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