DK Shivakumar playing peacemaker in Mandya?

Bengaluru: Following ‘irreconcilable’ differences between the camp of housing minister, M.H. Ambareesh and former external affairs minister, S.M. Krishna, Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah and KPCC president, Dr G. Parameshwar have roped in energy minister, D.K. Shivakumar to convince both camps and ensure the party wins the Mandya MLC seat in the forthcoming elections.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior leader said, “Mr Shivakumar had played a major role in ensuring former MP, Ramya's debut in politics. He had ensured the co-operation of both camps to ensure the victory of Ms Ramya during the 2013 by-elections. Therefore, Mr Shivakumar has been roped in again to convince the warring camps.”

The source added that Mr Shivakumar held his first meeting with the warring leaders on Saturday and tried to arrive at a consensus on the candidate.

“Both camps have been propping up their own candidates, however, the party wants them to work together to ensure the candidate's smooth victory in the forthcoming elections. As a result, party leaders have not yet finalised any name for Mandya constituency,” the source added.

CM Siddaramaiah said he would in a day or two discuss with KPCC president, Dr G. Parameshwar the list of candidates for the Legislative Council polls and finalise it. Speaking to reporters after meeting Vokkaliga seer of Adichunchangiri Math, Nirmalananda Swamiji, he said, “We have almost finalised names for almost all seats in which we will be fielding our candidates. It is just a formality, we both will have to sit and finalise names and then get formal approval from party leaders in Delhi, which too may happen in a day or two.”

According to him, he will be going to Delhi along with Dr Parameshwar to discuss this issue.