Bengaluru: M C Nanaiah to dump Janata Dal (S), enter Congress soon?

Bengaluru: Former minister and senior Janata Dal (S) leader, Mr M.C. Nanaiah who is in political hibernation, has been approached by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to get back into active politics ahead of the Assembly polls in Karnataka.

Mr Nanaiah told Deccan Chronicle that he was  resting after being treated for a bacterial infection, and it will take a few more weeks for him to recover completely. It was true the CM had come to his house but only to enquire about his health and not for a political discussion. "It was a courtesy call by Mr Siddaramaiah with whom I have been associated for over three decades," Mr Nanaiah added. He admitted that contesting an an independent was totally ruled out not only in Karnataka but elsewhere in the country due to the huge costs involved. But, he has been a  vocal supporter of secularism and any government that comes to power in Karnataka must adopt a secular approach. "So far, I have not taken any decision on contesting the  Assembly polls but a decision will be taken at the right time".

According to sources, the Congress does not have suitable candidates to take on the BJP in two constituencies in Kodagu district. Two seats had been held by the lotus party for many years and the Congress is reportedly scouting for candidates to win these two. 

Since Mr Nanaiah had severed his ties with JD(S) after it declined to allow him to continue him as MLC, Mr Siddaramaiah is exploring the possibility of fielding him from one constituency. The CM thinks Mr Nanaiah is a better candidate compared to others because of his clean image. Mr Siddaramaiah and Mr Nanaiah enjoy a good relationship since their Janata Parivar days.