BJP-JD(S) alliance closely watching DKS move on Channapatna, expect him to field a ‘surprise’ candidate

Channapatna byelection speculation intensifies as Deputy CM Shivakumar's interest in the seat raises political stakes.

Though the Channapatna Legislative Assembly seat byelection date is yet to be announced and major political parties are yet to hold any discussion on the selection of candidates, all eyes are on the constituency after Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar started showing keen interest in the segment.

Though Mr. Shivakumar initially offered to contest from this seat but later changed his stance, BJP-JD(S) alliance leaders are keenly watching the developments as they think that somebody from the family of the KPCC president may enter the poll fray from here.

Referring to Mr. Shivakumar’s frequent visits to Channapatna, the Opposition combine feels that the Deputy Chief Minister, who is the Vokkaliga face of the Congress, may throw a surprise as part of efforts to salvage his pride in the wake of his party doing badly in the Vokkaliga-dominated areas in the Lok Sabha elections.

According to sources, the BJP-JD(S) alliance wants to decide on the candidature after getting clarity on Mr. Shivakumar’s moves.

As the stakes are high for the BJP-JD(S) combine since it held the seat so far, the alliance leaders appear to have informally put the responsibility of taking decisions on the seat on Union Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy, whose resignation from the seat, has necessitated bypoll.

This was evident with BJP leader C.P. Yogeshwar, who is the main aspirant to contest the seat, meeting Mr. Kumaraswamy in Delhi. His meeting with Mr. Kumaraswamy has also triggered speculations, including the possibility of him contesting on the JD(S) ticket.

Answering a query from media persons on such political speculations, Mr. Yogeshwar only said, “We have to abide by whatever our leaders say.”