Bangalore: Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, Congress candidate Anand Gaddadevaramath and two Independents are in the fray of the December 22 by-election to the Legislative Council.
With the Congress fielding its candidate and Independent MLA Sriramulu making "noises" against the ruling BJP, the Council election, which would have otherwise been a dull affair, has generated considerable interest.
Gowda filed two sets of nominations — one in Kannada and another in English — each signed by 10 MLAs as required under the law. He was accompanied by former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa, state BJP president KS Eshwarappa and several of his Cabinet colleagues and party MLAs at the time of filing papers.
After filing nominations, Gowda expressed confidence of winning the election, which will decide on his continuation in the office. "I have special trust in our MLAs. I am 100 per cent sure that they will cast their vote for me," Gowda said.
Meanwhile, Gaddadevaramath, a young leader from Gadag, expressed confidence of springing a surprise. "Leaders have blessed me, and by fielding me, the party has sent a message that it's giving importance to youth. In the 225-Member Assembly, which includes a nominated member, BJP has 122, including Textiles Minister Varthur Prakash, an Independent, and Speaker KG Bopaiah. Congress has 71 and JD(S) 26. There are six Independents, including B Sriramulu.
Though the arithmetic is clearly in favour of Gowda, the Congress is hoping to "undo" it with the help of Sriramulu, who claims the support of 22 BJP MLAs. At least eight BJP MLAs must cross-vote to beat Gowda.
Given that the MLAs need to cast their votes after showing it to the polling agents of their parties, the possibility of cross-voting is bleak. Since the party would issue a whip, its violation will attract disqualification.
Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Siddaramaiah, however, said his party would approach JD(S) and Independents, seeking support for Gaddadevaramath.
Meanwhile, JD(S) has adopted a wait-and-watch strategy, besides authorising its state president HD Kumaraswamy to take a call. Apart from Gowda and Anand, two Independents — Dr KP Padmarajan from Salem and TDR Harishchandra Gowda — have also filed nominations. Acceptance of their papers depends on whether 10 MLAs each have signed their papers.
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