Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jun 3: Taking cue from the bitter defeat he encountered during the Lok Sabha election from Tumakuru, former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, wants to be cautious this time. His party plans to convey to the Congress that it is ready to field H D Deve Gowda for Rajya Sabha election this month only if Siddaramaiah assures his victory.

During the last Lok Sabha election, the JD(S) was routed in two major constituencies, Mandya and Tumakuru, in a shocking development. Internal differences in the Congress were blamed for this debacle.

The JD(S) is also in a dilemma because of the statement made by state minster Ramesh Jarkiholi, that if the party leadership is agreeable, he will bring 10 to 12 legislators into the BJP from other parties. Therefore, reliable sources within the JD(S) said that Deve Gowda will be fielded if Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president D K Shivakumar, are prepared to own responsibility for his victory. Gowda does not want to see his reputation getting ruined by facing another defeat, sources said.

In the meanwhile, it is learnt that for the lone seat the Congress can hope to win in Rajya Sabha, the party has seven aspiring candidates to choose from. If the Congress faces dissidence on the issue of supporting Deve Gowda's candidature, the JD(S) will support the second candidate to be fielded by the Congress and in exchange, seek a legislative council seat from the Congress.

The Congress has 16 surplus votes even after setting aside 50 votes for its official candidate. The Congress, subject to getting support from other leaders, can give these votes to the JD(S). The Congress high command and local leaders will decide whether Gowda's fresh political innings will start.

If Deve Gowda get support from the Congress and if he fights the election, the BJP may not oppose him as the party is fearful about earning the wrath of Gowda community for having blocked the election of the grandsire of state politics.