JD(S) to field Kengeri seer in Bommanahalli

Bengaluru: As the last day for filing nomination draws close, the JD(S) sprung a surprise by deciding to field a seer of Vishwa Vokkaligara Math, Sri Chandrashekhar Swamiji of Kengeri in Bommanahalli constituency.

Besides, former BJP minister Mr Revu Naik Belmagi, who was denied the party ticket from Kalaburgi Rural constituency, joined JD(S) on Sunday. Interestingly, Mr Gowda's sworn enemy and NICE Chairman Ashok Kheny's two family members Narendra Kheny and Sanjay Kheny also joined JD(S).

The move to field Sri Chandrashekhar Swamiji took shape on Saturday, when JD(S) leaders such as MLC Saravana and others called on the seer. It was expected that JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda would meet the Swamiji on Sunday. However, due to his busy schedule, the meeting did not take place.

Sources in the party and Math confirmed that the seer would be filing his papers at Bommanahalli on Monday. Interestingly, Sri Chandrashekhar Swamiji would be the second seer in Karnataka to be fielded by a political party. In 2004, Mathe Mahadevi was fielded by the then Kannada Nadu party, but was defeated.

Bommanahalli has over 1.25 lakh Vokkaliga voters, of the 2.1 lakh voters. This is the reason for the JD(S) considering the pontiff of the Vokkaliga math for the constituency.

Meanwhile, Mr Belmagi called upon Mr Gowda on Sunday afternoon and joined the JD(S). He was immediately issued B-form to contest from Kalaburgi rural constituency.

Speaking after inducting Mr Belmagi, Mr Gowda said that the party had allotted Kalaburgi Rural constituency to its alliance partner BSP. However, since Mr Belmagi was being inducted, the constituency was given to him after consulting the partner and there was no confusion in this regard.

Most surprising was the decision of two of Mr Ashok Kheny’s family members to join JD(S). Mr Sanjay Kheny is Chairman of Bidar Sugar Factory. Mr Ashok Kheny had recently joined the Congress.