Udupi: Former minister and Congress leader Pramod Madhwaraj is likely to contest the parliament election on a Janata Dal (Secular) ticket from Udupi-Chikkamagalur constituency.
Mr Madhwaraj, son of former minister Manorama Madhwaraj had contested as Congress candidate and won the Assembly election in 2013 to become minister. However he lost the May 2018 election.
With the Congress now giving away the Udupi Chikkamagalur seat to JD(S) as part of the seat sharing deal, Mr Deve Gowda's party is in search of a strong candidate. Though several names are doing the rounds, Pramod's name is said to have topped the list of aspirants.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Mr Madhwaraj said JD(S) leaders had held discussions with him. He however did not give a clear answer on whether he would resign from the Congress and join the JD(S) before contesting. "Discussions are on but a final decision has not yet been taken,” he said.
“Whoever the candidate is, he will be supported jointly by the JD(S) and Congress," he said. Congress sources say Pramod has consulted some leaders on joining the JD(S) but they have expressed unhappiness over this development.
“Pramod wants to contest on a JD(S) ticket which may not be possible if he does not quit the Congress. But if he quits the Congress, party workers will be unhappy and may not work for him which may affect his electoral prospects," a leader explained.
Earlier, there were allegations that Pramod had ignored senior Congress leaders during the 2018 assembly election and was even trying to join the BJP.
