CHIKMAGALUR: The unexpected announcement of calendar for the Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha bypolls has spurred activities in the BJP and the JD(S). With the election due on March 18, all parties have started a hunt for winnable candidates.The election was necessitated after it was vacated by D V Sadananda Gowda with his being elected to the Legislative Council. This is the second bypoll after Indira Gandhi’s by-election in 1978.It was believed that Udupi-Chikmagalur bypoll could in all probability be held by April-end after the Assembly elections to five states are over. Even Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda mulled a ministry expansion and intended to present his budget in March first week.However, the sudden announcement of election has put him in a tight spot. It was also prestigious for him because it was the constituency vacated by him and he should see to it that it is won by hook or crook.For any party, it will be a heavy task to cover most of the places spread over eight assembly segments in Udupi and Chikmagalur districts, during campaigning.According to BJP sources, it is said that BJP Yuva Morcha state president V Sunil Kumar will be the party’s candidate. Kundapura MLA Haladi Srinivas Shetty has opted to stay put in state politics.JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda said in Chikmagalur on Sunday that they will finalise their candidate by February 27.Meanwhile, Madhu Bangarappa, who also belongs to Ediga community, stated in Kadur on Sunday thathe never thought of moving out of Sorab. JD(S) is certain to field its candidate and the bypoll will be a triangular contest.
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