Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru (RJP)

Bengaluru, Feb 7: Family politics will continue, no matter what JD(S) party leaders say about the dominance of Deve Gowda and his family members in the party matters. Bhavani Ravanna, wife of H D Revanna and daughter-in-law of former Prime Minister Deve Gowda, has decided to contest Zilla panchayat (ZP) election this time which marks her entry into politics.

Deve Gowda and Revanna have played their ‘roles’ to convince a family member to enter politics, said sources close to the family.

Bhavani after filing her nomination papers in Hassan

But contesting in a ZP election has surprised many as she could have chosen Lok Sabha, Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council route easily. As the JD (S) has a strong presence in the old Mysuru region, comprising Mandya, Hassan, Tumakuru and Mysuru districts, she could have chosen any constituency from this region to reach New Delhi or Bengaluru and could have even won comfortably. But Bhavani has chosen Halekote Zilla panchayat seat in Hassan district. She filed the nomination papers on Saturday, February 6. “I made up my mind to contest on Friday night in the wake of pressure from local JD(S) leaders,” she said speaking to media.

H D Revanna represented Halekote before moving to Holenarasipura to contest elections to the Legislative Assembly in 1994.

Bhavani’s earlier attempts to foray into electoral politics did not materialise as Deve Gowda was reportedly against fielding another member of his family fearing such a move would boomerang on JD(S) which faced criticism of being a family-run party. It is said that she was keen to contest from KR Nagar constituency in Mysuru, KR Pete constituency in Mandya, and Belur constituency in Hassan in the last assembly election.

Anita Kumaraswamy, wife of JD (S) state president H D Kumaraswamy had contested in Madhugiri assembly election last time and came out as a winner. From then Bhavani’s entry into politics was discussed but she could not make it into the race. Presently, as the president’s post in Zilla panchayat is equal to that of a cabinet minister, Bhavani chose this route, said some sources. As per them, this is only a stepping stone for Bhavani who has the dream of becoming a member of parliament. Zilla panchayat post will give her some political experience, it is believed.

Deve Gowda, who has said that he will not contest the next election, is expected to ‘defend’ his daughter-in-law’s decision of entering politics.