CPI(M) finds JDS as its ally in Bagepalli constituency

BENGALURU: The Janata Dal Secular (JDS) extending support to Communist Party of India (Marxist) has brightened the chances of the Communist party making a comeback in the Bagepalli Assembly constituency since its last victory in 2004. CPI (M) has fielded Dr Anil Kumar, a surgeon as its nominee for Bagepalli.

Last time CPI (M) won the Bagepalli seat was through its nominee G.V. Srirama Reddy in 2004 and Srirama Reddy in 1994. Prior to Srirama Reddy, CPI (M) nominee Appaswamy Reddy won the Bagepalli Assembly seat in 1983. In Bagepalli constituency, Congress nominees have won most electecions, winning in 1978, 1985, 1989, 2008 and 2018. Independents have won in the 1999 and 2013 elections.

In the 2018 election, though CPI (M) nominee G.V. Srirama Reddy was defeated by Congress nominee Subba Reddy the former garnered 51, 697 votes while Subba Reddy secured 65, 710 votes. The JDS nominee C.R. Manohar polled 38, 302 votes.

It may be recalled here that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a public meeting in Bagepalli a couple of months ago and around 30,000 people had gathered for the function. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle on Wednesday, Bagepalli CPI (M) president Munivenkatappa stated that the roots of CPI (M) are deep in Bagepalli owing to its pro-people struggles for over 70 years and the CPI (M) have stood by the people at all times including the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The faith among voters for CPI (M) has been overwhelming and voters believe that only CPI (M) can deliver goods for them,” said Munivenkatappa adding that the party has fought for landless, when in power, constructed ITIs and polytechnics to help rural students access education among other measures to instill confidence among the voters on CPI (M).

Munivenkatappa stated that its nominee Dr Anil Kumar was the one who came to the rescue of people of Bagepalli during Covid-19 pandemic while the Bagepalli MLA remained out of reach of the people and the CPI (M) was confident that JDS, a longtime ally would increase the chances of CPI (M) winning the seat.

But, sources said that JDS leaders of Bagepalli have not involved themselves in campaigning after party leaders decided to support CPI (M) but Munivenkatappa exuded confidence that JDS leaders would lend their support to its nominee.

JDS leader and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy would conduct campaigning for CPI (M) nominee and also do a road show in Bagepalli, sources said that would bring JDS-CPI (M) leaders together in the seat.

Chikkaballapura District Congress president Keshava Reddy was confident of its nominee winning Bagepalli despite JDS support to CPI (M) and termed when CPI (M) fielded G.V. Srirama Reddy the contest was tough in Bagepalli but not now.