Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Dec 14: Chief Minister (CM) and BJP’s candidate for the legislative council election proposed to be held on December 22, D V Sadananda Gowda, has bright chances of willing the election, as the opposition from JDS and Sriramulu to his candidature have turned mute. The fact that JDS has decided to remain neutral, and the softening of the stand by five independent legislators, have boosted Gowda’s chances in the election.

BJP, with 121 members in the 224-member house, has easy chance to bag the seat. The only threat it faces is from former minister, B Sriramulu, who has claimed support of 22 BJP MLAs. Sriramulu, after spitting fire against Gowda initially, has turned silent. He was even seen conversing with the CM during the assembly session.

It is said that in the Congress camp, resistance has come from several party MLAs, who feel that fielding of a candidate without consulting the JDS has ruined the party’s chances. At the same time, Congress MLAs from coastal Karnataka have favoured election of Sadananda Gowda, and have expressed unhappiness over the party’s decision of fielding a candidate against him, it is learnt.

As the BJP has issued a whip, the three MLAs who have been identified with Sriramulu, are compelled to vote for the CM. Moreover, as no legislator is enthusiastic enough to cause the downfall of the government and face mid-term poll, the going will be smooth for the CM, political analysts opine. Because of the JDS stand to stay neutral, Sriramulu, even if he succeeds to entice a few legislators to his side, will not be able to jolt the BJP candidate, they point out.