Bengaluru: With Assembly elections fast approaching, Ms Soumya Reddy, daughter of Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy seems to have launched a campaign by participating in programmes in Jayanagar Assembly constituency from where she is likely to make her debut in state politics.
Her father had already dropped enough hints about her entry into politics through Jayanagar constituency, which is adjacent to BTM Constituency presently represented by him. An environmental science graduate, Ms Soumya who had shown her inclination to step into her father's shoes, has started making public appearance in the constituency to socialize with voters.
As a prelude, she took part in the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations and a couple of other functions on Sunday last. In fact, Jayanagar has been a strong fortress of the BJP and this time, the ruling Congress wants to upset the apple cart of Mr Vijaykumar, sitting BJP MLA of the constituency.
Recently, Mr Reddy had told reporters that his daughter was ready to contest the Assembly elections if the party high command wishes. Already, flex boards carrying the photo of father and daughter dot the streets of Jayanagar constituency.
To ensure a smooth take off for his daughter's political journey, Mr Reddy too had been visiting the constituency regularly to hold consultations with citizens. Hitherto, Ms Soumya wanted to contest from Bommanahalli constituency but changed her plans after her father advised her to start the journey from Jayanagar.
Sources close to Mr Reddy told this reporter that Ms Soumya entering the state politics was almost certain but the constituency would be decided by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee in consultation with local party workers. It would not be a problem for Mr Reddy to get the ticket for his daughter from Jayanagar thanks to his proximity with AICC General Secretary and In-Charge of Karnataka affairs, Mr K.C. Venugopal and PCC President Dr G Parameshwar. So far, the performance of Mr Reddy as home minister has been 'satisfactory' with no incident to disturb law and order. Besides, Mr Reddy enjoys a good rapport with leaders of all political parties and this may help him to field his daughter in the coming Assembly polls.
Reddy has also been a successful emissary between the Congress and Janata Dal (S) whenever differences cropped up over sharing of the posts of mayor and deputy mayor in the BBMP) every year.
It may not be therefore surprising if father and daughter fight from two adjacent assembly constituencies in the city.
