DVS, Jagadish Shettar: Front Runners for Karnataka CM Post
Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore
Bangalore, Jul 29: Though the official resignation from Karnataka CM B S Yeddyurappa is still awaited by the BJP High command, the search for candidate to replace BSY is on. There are four names are on top, but two among them are said to be ‘front runners’.
D V Sadananda Gowda
57-year-old D V Sadananda Gowda, Member of Parliament from Udupi-Chickmaglur constituency, known as BJP's 'Hasanmukhi' (Ever-smiling), is reportedly is in no. 1 spot at the moment. Hailing from Sullia, Dakshina Kannada, former student of St Philomena College, Puttur, DVS is known to be amiable with entire state BJP unit, and has no enemies within. He has successfully guided the party to bring the power in Karnataka, being president of the state unit. He has also taken the responsibility of opposition leader in the state assembly in the past.
Blessed by Yeddy
Known for his close friendship with B S Yeddyurappa, he reportedly has blessings of Yeddyurappa. According to Yeddy, DVS can save him from further trouble caused due to illegal mining reports.
Role of Caste
In Karnataka, caste plays a major role when it comes to politics, and especially when contest is for topmost posts. Belonging to Vokkaliga community, BJP feels that, DVS can tackle JDS party effectively, as Deve Gowda and majority of JDS leaders are belonging to Vokkaliga community. Currently, JDS is troubling maximum to the ruling party, though it has much lesser numbers in state assembly. BJP High command feels that, DVS can handle the opposition effectively for the remaining two years.
If DVS becomes the CM, south Kanara will have the reason to rejoice, as after Veerappa Moily he will be the only second chief minister from the district.
Jagadish Shettar
The second front runner is 56-year-old Jagadish Shettar. Born in Kerur village of Badami Taluk in Bagalkot district, the current rural development and Panchayath minister in Yeddyurappa regime is belongs one of the most populated community 'Lingayuth'.
Incidentally, Yeddyurappa too belongs to same community. There are couple of setbacks for Shettar, as Yeddyurappa may not like another Lingayut leader to emerge within BJP in the state. Secondly, when Reddy brothers took open revolt against Yeddyurappa, Shettar gave them support and emerged as the alternate leader for the state. Yeddyurappa may not forget this, and not so easily approve Shettar as state CM.
Hundreds of Mutts in Karnataka is run by Lingayut seers, as majority of seers in the state support Shettar candidature for the CM post. Just to make community happy, BJP high command may post Shettar as Deputy CM, if CM post is denied.
Shettar was assembly speaker when Yeddyurappa took oath as first BJP chief minister of Karnataka. Though he was not happy for allotting him speaker post, later due to Reddy brothers influence he was given birth state cabinet. During SM Krishna regime he was opposition leader in state assembly.
Other Two in the Race
The other two leaders also in race are current state BJP chief Eshwarappa and Bangalore south MP Ananth Kumar, who is also known as 'enemy' of B S Yeddyurappa. At this moment, both these candidates’ chances of becoming CM are comparatively slim.