Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 28: Sources in Congress party vouch for the fact that Karnataka chief minister, Siddaramaiah, has been actively considering the option of fighting the next assembly election from Hebbal constituency here. The constituencies of his choice so far were Varuna and Chamundeshwari, both in Mysuru.

The next year's election being critical for the party, Siddaramaiah has to make sure about his victory even though he cannot devote much time for campaigning there as he will be busy touring the state. As per calculations, Kuruba community and Muslims strongly back Siddaramaiah and Hebbal constituency has sizable population of both these communities.

Because of this support, the party think tank has supposedly advised the chief minister to choose this constituency and peacefully undertake state tour for electioneering, as he is assured of success here. JD(S) candidate had defeated Siddaramaiah from Chamundeshwari constituency in the past, and currently this constituency is represented by JD(S). Therefore, it is thought that this constituency is a hard nut to crack.

In the past, the then chief minister, S M Krishna, had shifted his base from Maddur in Mandya district to Chamarajapet in the city because of Kaveri agitation, and won the election. Siddaramaiah, who won from Varuna constituency in Mysuru last time, had announced his decision to leave this constituency to his son, Dr Yathindra, and fight the next election from Chamundeshwari constituency in Mysuru, which happened to be his constituency in the past. It is said that intelligence inputs have identified Chamundeshwari constituency as risky. Therefore, it is said, Siddaramaiah is mulling on moving to the city and fighting from Hebbal.

It is said that talks are already on with influential leaders from different communities in Hebbal constituency with the aim of winning over their confidence.