JD(S) stakes claim to Hiriyur bypoll, seeks BJP backing
Bengaluru: After staying out of the recent Davanagere South and Bagalkot bypolls, JD(S) has stepped up efforts to contest the upcoming Hiriyur assembly byelection and is set to seek the seat from ally BJP. The seat fell vacant following the death of minister D Sudhakar of Congress.At a recent meetin
By Santosh Kumar.b
Bengaluru: After staying out of the recent Davanagere South and Bagalkot bypolls, JD(S) has stepped up efforts to contest the upcoming Hiriyur assembly byelection and is set to seek the seat from ally BJP.
The seat fell vacant following the death of minister D Sudhakar of Congress.At a recent meeting, party functionaries from Chitradurga district and Hiriyur urged Union minister and JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy to secure the seat for the party.Kumaraswamy has formed a committee to evaluate the party’s strength in the constituency and the winnability of ticket aspirants.
The panel is expected to submit its report soon.Sources say Kumaraswamy told local functionaries that he will take up the matter with BJP’s high command and state brass — if reports say the regional outfit has a realistic chance of victory.JD(S) also faces internal wrangling with three members — D Yashodhara, who contested twice in the past, M Ravindrappa, who finished third in the 2023 assembly election, and G Jayaramaiah — in contention for the party ticket.SL Bhojegowda, party MLC, admitted: “There are multiple groups within JD(S) in Hiriyur.
Some have been with JD(S) for a long time, while others joined recently and are demanding the ticket.
We will resolve these issues and identify a consensus candidate.”JD(S) core committee chairman M Krishna Reddy said the party expects BJP to reciprocate support. “We supported BJP in the two recent byelections, so we expect their support for the Hiriyur bypoll.
However, no final decision has been taken yet,” he said.Meanwhile, Sudhakar’s son Suhas has begun meeting party workers amid speculation that Congress may field him.
Former Hiriyur MLA Poornima Srinivas is also in the race for the ticket.
Incidentally, in both the Davanagere South and Bagalkot bypolls, Congress gave the ticket to family of the MLA whose death neccessitated the election.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bengaluru | Silver Rate in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Petrol Price in Bengaluru | Diesel Price in Bengaluru | CNG Price in Bengaluru | LPG Price in BengaluruStay updated with the latest Bengaluru news.
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