Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 28: While the campaigning in 15 constituencies to the bypoll has hotted up, differences between leader of the opposition Siddaramaiah, and other Congress leaders has become apparent. While leaders of various parties are moving about briskly in a bid to woo voters and cement their positions, D K Shivakumar has confined himself to a few constituencies.

It is said that Shivakumar has been moving deftly to limit himself to a few constituencies against the wishes of the party leadership. The party finds it hard to utilize his skills in other constituencies as he has been citing health issues and the ongoing probe against him to shield himself from buckling under their pressure.

After Shivakumar came out from the prison on bail, there were efforts to project him as victim of political vendetta and build him as a challenger to Siddaramaiah. It is said that Shivakumar is unable to devote more time for campaigning as he has to appear for court hearing and that he is also apprehensive that undertaking active campaigning and launching tirade against the central government may attract the ire of the enforcement directorate.

The health reasons being put forth by the firebrand leader seem to be genuine as he has been suffering from chest pain and backache since he came out on bail.

A faction within the Congress feels that Siddaramaiah, who chose candidates of his preference for the bypoll, should himself take responsibility for their victory. Shivakumar, it appears, has been trying to keep distance from both the groups.