Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jan 14: It is learnt that Congress has almost zeroed in on the name of former minister, Jayaprakash Hegde, as the candidate for the bypoll that will shortly be held for Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha seat. Still, a number of candidates are busy with behind-the-scene activities to change this decision in their favour.

The seat has fallen vacant, after BJP MP, D V Sadananda Gowda, chose to become MLC and Chief Minister of Karnataka, and sacrifice his Lok Sabha seat. In addition to Hegde, All India Congress Committee secretary, Vinay Kumar Sorake, former MP, Janardhana Poojary, and former legislative council chairman, B L Shankar, are also said to be interested to fight election from here on Congress ticket. Hegde, it is gathered, is far ahead of other candidates, going by the present indications.

In the last election, Jayaprakash Hegde, who has built his image as a clean personality in the constituency, had tasted defeat by a small margin against Sadananda Gowda. The party feels that he is more charismatic than others under consideration. However, the party is yet to make an official announcement, and state president of the party, Dr G Parameshwar, has already clarified that the party will come out with the name of its candidate after the announcement of the bypoll.

It is learnt that observers led by former minister, H K Patil, have been appointed to survey the constituency and assess the chances of candidates. The party, it is learnt, will finalize its candidate after the observers submit a report.