Bengaluru: Concerned over the failure to strike an alliance with JD(S) to take control of the newly elected Mysuru ZP, where the Congress party could not win a majority, Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah and his loyalists have reportedly decided to adopt a different strategy- ensure that a few members of JD(S) remain absent on the day of voting for the ZP president and vice president posts.
The plan was reportedly hatched by PWD minister, Dr H.C. Mahadevappa, who is considered close to Mr Siddaramaiah. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior leader said that Dr Mahadevappa along with co-operation minister, H. S. Mahadevprasad were closeted at the latter's house in Mysuru last week on several occasions to discuss the execution of this plan. "This group has decided to execute their plan in Mysuru first and later see if it can be replicated in other ZPs where the polls threw up a hung verdict," the source added.
Already, Dr Mahadevappa has reportedly started negotiating with three to four JD(S) members. Though, JD(S) members have been demanding huge sums, they run the risk of losing their credibility. Dr Mahadevappa tried to persuade KR Nagar JD(S) MLA, Sa. Ra Mahesh to agree to this plan but the latter is reluctant to join hands with the Siddaramaiah camp. Instead, Mr Mahesh has been in constant touch with BJP leaders, the source said.
So Dr Mahadevappa has decided to take matters in his hands and approach JD(S) members directly using various modes of communication in a feverish bid to win the ZP posts, the source claimed.
