Daijiworld Media Network - Hassan (SP)

Hassan, Feb 15: The assembly election in the state is still a year away. Deve Gowda's elder daughter-in-law, Bhavani Revanna, was preparing the ground for fighting this election as a JD(S) candidate from here. However, former chief minister, H D Kumaraswamy's announcement that no member of his family will be fielded from Hassan constituency seems to have dampened her aspirations. By ruling out candidature for the family members, Kumaraswamy has indirectly conveyed the information that Bhavani Revanna will not be fielded from here.

Hassan district has been a hotbed of electoral politics where the JD(S) has a strong presence and from where the only Kannadiga Prime Minister was elected as MP. Kumaraswamy, who is from the district, became the chief minister of Karnataka twice. Right from the family's eldest member, H D Deve Gowda, to his children, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, are in one or the political posts. For example, H D Revanna is an MLA, one of his sons is a MP and the other, MLC. His wife, Bhavani, is a zilla panchayat member.

Preetam Gowda has succeeded in breaking the monopoly of Deve Gowda's family by getting elected from the BJP in Hassan central assembly constituency. Deve Gowda's family has prioritized snatching back this seat at any cost.

Party workers and leaders have been insistent that after the death of four-time MLA, H S Prakash, the party ticket in Hassan should be given to his son. In addition, leaders like Yogeesh and Prasad Gowda are aspiring to represent the party in the election from Hassan constituency. Bhavani Revanna has an eye on Hassan constituency and she had started to organize the party. But the visit of Kumaraswamy to the residence of former MLA, H S Prakash, on Monday has dashed her hopes.

Kumaraswamy later said when speaking to the media that he has not poked his nose in Hassan district affairs. He said that this time he will take special interest in Hassan assembly constituency alone. "When I was the chief minister, I served Hassan district in a big way. I will give my suggestion of the party's candidate from the local constituency. The claim that our family member will be fielded from here is just a rumour. There are many loyal leaders and I will discuss with all of them before deciding on the candidate," he clarified.

Kumaraswmay said that the situation in Hassan district has not remained the way it used to be during the period of H S Prakash. He assured to announce the candidate from Hassan constituency along with the first list of JD(S) candidates in one and half months.