Nanjangud bypoll: Desperate Siddaramaiah holds talks with JD(S)

BENGALURU: In a determined bid to ensure a victory for the Congress in forthcoming bypoll in Nanjangud, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly held two rounds of parleys with Janata Dal (S) leaders in Mysuru district in order to enlist their tacit support for the ruling party’s candidate.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, top sources in the Chief Minister’s camp disclosed that their leader held discussions with JD(S) leaders, including G. T. Deve Gowda and Sa. Ra. Mahesh, as well as his lieutenants PWD minister Dr H. C. Mahadevappa and co-operation minister, H.S. Mahadev Prasad. These two ministers are in constant touch with influential pontiffs and priests in the constituency.

The sources said Mr Siddaramaiah was leaving nothing to chance to woo his rivals and rival party leaders by promising them additional funds for developmental schemes.

“One thing is clear that Mr Siddaramaiah will use his political clout to ensure the party’s victory. Therefore, several leaders are showing interest in fielding their own relatives instead of giving it to anyone,” the sources added. The sources disclosed the main intention of Mr Siddaramaiah was to attract Vokkaliga voters though they are less in numbers in Nanjangud constituency.

“In addition to his two lieutenants, Mr Siddaramaiah has roped in primary and secondary education minister Tanveer Sait, who hails from Mysuru district and holds considerably sway over votes of minorities in the district,” the sources explained.  

The bypoll would be held to fill a vacancy caused by the exit of former minister V Srinivas Prasad who resigned as he was upset with Mr Siddaramaiah for dropping him from the ministry.