Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jul 31: Both the Congress and JD(S) leaders have now turned their attention to the bypoll which is likely to be held for 17 constituencies vacated by the resignation of legislators. Unless the courts intervene, election will be held shortly to fill the vacancies created by them.

It is said that JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda is eyeing Yeshwantpura, K R Puram, Mahalaxmi Lay out and Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituencies in the city. He has already held meetings with party leaders to plan strategies to bag these constituencies. Many leaders have, with one voice, told the leader that they prefer not to have any truck with the Congress in the bypoll.

Deve Gowda

The party leaders have exerted pressure on Deve Gowda, arguing that the party will be losing its sheen if it continues to work with the Congress. They said that the government was unseated and the party suffered setback in the Lok Sabha election because of its alliance with the Congress. They stood their ground, demanding to field its candidates in the 17 vacancies created by the disqualification of legislators. Deve Gowda reportedly promised these leaders to discuss the matter with former chief minister, H D Kumaraswamy, and convey a final decision in the matter to them.

Deve Gowda held serious discussions with Kumaraswamy about the party facing the election singlehandedly. Kumaraswamy also reportedly expressed the opinion that it would be better to fight the election alone in preparation for the party's organizational set up for the next general election. Deve Gowda is also said to have agreed to what he stated.

JD(S) will be holding mega convention of party workers at the Palace Ground here on August 7. At this meeting, preparations for the bypoll for 17 seats, issuance of tickets too winnable candidate etc would be discussed. Deve Gowda also is said to have decided to announce decision on continuing the relationship with the Congress at this convention.

At the Congress legislature party meeting held on Monday July 29, leaders held themselves against having any understanding with the JD(S)/ Leader of the Congress legislature party, Siddaramaiah, said that the party high command will decide about continuance of the coalition with the JD(S). He said that the matter would be pursued on the basis of instructions from the national leaders of the party.

In the meantime, it is learnt that former minister H D Revanna, has drafted a plan to give a drubbing to the Congress in Karnataka Milk Federation election as he wants to become its chairman. It is said that he has kidnapped a directors of the federation owing allegiance to the Congress. Because of this, the Congress has become angry and cracks have appeared between the two sides.