Shivamogga? Take it, JD(S) tells Congress

Bengaluru: The Janata Dal (S) appears to have changed its mind on contesting the Lok Sabha bypoll from Shivamogga, leaving the field open for the Congress. Although JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda had said in Vijayapura Wednesday that he would try to convince former MLA Madhu Bangarappa to contest from Shivamogga, the latter reportedly refused the offer for “personal reasons.” 

The Congress, which is now likely to contest from the constituency, is also having a hard time finding the right candidate with both veteran leader, Kagodu Thimmappa and former minister, Kimmane Rathnakar refusing to contest from there. The party has now reportedly zeroed in on former CADA chairman Sundaresh. 

For Ballari, the Congress seems keen on fielding a nondescript leader, Nagaveni, who belongs to the scheduled tribe and is from Kudligi. Although the Jarkiholi brothers wanted  the party ticket for a candidate of their choice, minister D.K. Shivakumar and others are said to have warned them against interfering in Ballari politics. Sensing a controversy brewing, KPCC president, 

Dinesh Gundurao has convened a meeting on Friday to discuss the issue.

Meanwhile, JD(S) is likely to announce its candidate for Mandya in a couple of days, according to party sources.  The Gowda clan held a meeting late Wednesday evening to discuss the selection of candidate for the constituency, they reveal. As for Ramanagara and Jamakhandi assembly bypolls,  the Congress and JD (S) are working together for  CM Kumaraswamy’s wife,  Anita, who is being fielded by the Dal to take  his place in the former constituency.