Will Congress, JD(S) grassroots rivalry mar Anitha's chances in Ramanagara?

Bengaluru: While a series of meetings were held between Congress and JD(S) workers on Sunday to help them work together after years of rivalry for Chief Minister, H D Kumaraswamy’s wife, Anitha, in the coming Ramanagara bypoll, sources say similar efforts had begun much before the byelections were announced.

For instance, following the resignation of Mr C P Rajesh as ZP president, the JDS saw to it that he was replaced by a Congress member. Also, both minister, D K Shivakumar and his brother, D K Suresh have been given a free hand in developmental works in the district, sources point out .

But despite these efforts the JDS seems to be in trouble in Ramanagar. Although things look smooth for Ms Anitha, her team seems complacent and there is little evidence of election fever in the constituency. Also, despite the efforts of the party to placate them, hard core Congress workers may abstain from polling, resulting in low voter turnout and former JD(S) MLA, Raju, who represented the constituency when Mr Kumaraswamy was elected to parliament, is reportedly feeling sidelined and maintaining a distance from all political activity. The Congress’ hold over the constituency too appears to have declined. Though Congress MLC, C M Lingappa is putting up a brave front, he lost ground during delimitation of constituencies when his stronghold of Bidadi hobli was merged with Magadi constituency. During the last election, the Congress received most of its non-Muslim votes from two hoblis, while Ramanagar town leaned completely towards the JD(S).