Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Aug 5: It is reliably learnt that the disqualified legislators from the state, who have filed petitions against the speaker's order disqualifying them, are thinking of fielding their family members if bypoll is held soon.

17 legislators were disqualified by former assembly speaker, K R Ramesh Kumar, and their appeals against the speaker's decision are yet to be heard by the Supreme Court. The legislators are keeping their fingers crossed and if the verdict is adverse, several of them are planning to field their children, wife, or siblings, it is said.

Former Hirekerur MLA B C Patil met the chief ministers on Sunday. It is said that he discussed about the legal options before him. It is said that if necessary, he said he is ready to field his daughter in the bypoll. He was accompanied by daughter, Srushti, on the occasion. Patil, speaking to media persons, said that there is no question of his returning to the Congress. He also said that the other legislators too will not return to the Congress fold. He informed that he had discussed development of his constituency with the chief minister.

As G T Devegowda, a JD(S) strongman and former minister, said on Sunday that he will retire from electoral politics, it is said that the BJP is thinking of issuing ticket to his son, Harish Gowda, from Hunsur constituency in the bypoll. Devegowda had earlier won twice from Hunsur constituency, and last time he had sought ticket for Harish from this constituency, but the JD(S) chose H Vishwanath as its candidate there. Harish has popularity in this constituency and it is said that the BJP may try to make Harish its candidate. This however, will be subject to what political decisions Devegowda take henceforth.

The legislators hope that the Supreme Court will at least issue stay order against the speaker's decision. A few among the legislators including H Vishwanath have spoken of retiring from politics. A few legislators from Bengaluru too have spoken of retiring from politics and concentrating on their family vocations. They also may be thinking of handing over the political mantles to their family members, some political analysts guess.