MYSURU: While JD(S) ticket aspirants in Mandya Lok Sabha have already thrown in their hats in the ring for the by-polls or the ensuing general election, talk of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda’s candidature for Mandya Lok Sabha is making the rounds.
Deve Gowda’s probablity of contesting from Mandya has gained momentum as he himself has announced that Prajwal Revanna, his grandson, will be contesting from Hassan Lok Sabha constituency in 2019 elections.Although, it has not been discussed in party forums, many including a few legislators have also expressed their wish of bringing Deve Gowda to Mandya Lok Sabha constituency.
Mandya district is considered to be a stronghold of Vokkaliga and JD(S) has swept all the seven constituencies. JD(S) has managed to get 2.30 lakh votes leads against Congress and BJP candidates in the assembly election.
Though there are rumors that the Election Commission may not conduct by polls to Lok Sabha seats vacated by C S Puttaraju in Mandya, Sriramulu in Ballari, B S Yeddyurappa in Shivamogga, JD(S) does not want to take a chance and is geared up to retain seats from Mandya.JD(S) ticket aspirants and former legislators G B Shiva Kumar, L R Shivarame Gowda, Lakshmi Ashwinkumar may fall in line if the party wants Deve Gowda to contest from Mandya.
Partymen feel that Deve Gowda’s representation from Mandya would give a forum to express state views and farmers’ interest on Cauvery in Parliament. It will also further strengthen partybase and Gowda’s entry to Mandya will have ripples in neighbouring Mysuru, Tumkaru and Ramanagara districts.
Sources said MLC Srikante Gowda and few other legislators have expressed their wish with leaders and want Deve Gowda to contest from Mandya. However, it has not been discussed in party forum and it would be debated as and when the elections are held. There is also talks that Ambreesha will be an aspirant for the Lok Sabha ticket.
Ambreesha, who refused to contest Assembly election on Congress ticket from Mandya, has praised H D Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy in public, sending a strong message to his followers. But Ambreesha has maintained that he is not interested in being active in politics for health reasons.