Is JD(S) set to give Anitha Kumaraswamy 3rd chance?

Bangalore: Despite two electoral reverses, the Janata Dal (Secular) is reportedly considering fielding Anitha Kumaraswamy, wife of former Chief Minister, H.D. Kumaraswamy, from Chikaballapur, where she could take on Union petroleum minister, Veerappa Moily in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Sources have indicated however that Anitha's candidature is not yet a done deal, as the JD(S) is also looking at bringing BJP former minister, B.N. Bacche Gowda to the party. But with party bigwigs believing Anitha has an edge - she belongs to Chinthamani, now a part of  Chikaballapur district, her family is well connected, and she belongs to the dominant Marasu Vokkaliga caste - the party, which lacks strong candidates, could keep it in the family.

Bacche Gowda is from the Hosa Devara Vokkalu sub-community, which does not have as much of a presence in Chikaballapur, although he wields considerable influence in the district.

While he was reportedly interested in contesting on a JD(S) ticket as he lost the last Assembly elections from Hoskote, he is now believed to be having second thoughts as the BJP too could field him from the constituency these elections.