Bengaluru: Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who met party workers from Ramanagara on Wednesday, reportedly discussed the impending bypoll to it following his decision to give up the seat for Channapatna after winning from it in the recent assembly election. The popular choice of candidate appeared to be his wife, Anita, as the workers and local leaders believed she was most likely to win in his place.
While Mr Kumaraswamy did not reveal his stance on the issue, the JD(S) may not have a cakewalk in the constituency as Congress leaders from the district are keen on the party fielding a candidate of its own in the bypoll.
Mr C.M. Lingappa and defeated Congress candidate from the constituency, Iqbal Hussain are strongly against the party not contesting the bypoll and have reportedly appealed to their party leaders not to hand over the constituency to the JD (S).
Meanwhile, water resources minister, D.K. Shivakumar, who represents Kanakapura in the assembly, seems to be throwing his weight behind the JD(S) to honour the “coalition dharma” and could work for the Gowda family should Ms Anita be fielded in the by-poll, say sources.
However, revealing none of this Mr Kumaraswamy told reporters Wednesday morning that he would discuss developmental issues with his party workers in Ramnagara and Channapatna. But interestingly, the meeting was held at his farmhouse and not at any government office like that of the Ramanagara deputy commissioner, sources point out.
