Bengaluru: It has been a few days of hectic political activity in Mysuru with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah personally meeting the family of the late JD(S) MLA, Chicka Madu, on Saturday to gain its support and the backing of the Naik community in the process, so crucial for the party's success in the region in the coming state assembly polls.
To counter his efforts, JD(S) leaders like G T Deve Gowda and A H Vishwanath too have met the late leader’s family to persuade it not to be swayed by the Chief Minister. The Congress is said to be desperate as its MLA, K N Rajanna from Madhugiri constituency, who holds sway over the Naik vote, is reportedly planning to quit the party to join either the BJP or JD(S).
Mr Rajanna is apparently unhappy as he was not made a Minister and is unlikely to be made one soon either with leaders like Dr G Parameshwar and T B Jayachandra from the district also vying for a Cabinet berth. Disgruntled at his poor prospects in the party , he is said to be considering jumping ship. But this could be a big jolt for the Congress, as it would lose its grip on the Naik vote in Mysuru region, including in Chamundeshwari, from where Mr Siddaramaiah plans to contest the coming poll.
