CHITRADURGA: Political equations in the state may have changed with BJP fielding the Nayaka strongman and Ballari MP B Sriramulu from Molakalmuru constituency of the district.The saffron party which is eyeing 'Mission 150' in the ensuing general elections to the state assembly with a calculated move has fielded Sriramulu from Molakalmuru as it will have an influence on Nayaka (Scheduled Tribe) voters spread over Chitradurga (Molakalmuru, Challakere, Chitradurga and Holalkere assembly segments), neighbouring Ballari, Raichur, Koppal and Davangere constituencies.
Along with this he will also have the capacity to swing the ST votes in favour of BJP in Shivamogga and Old Mysore regions where they form sizeable numbers. ‘Myasa Nayaka’, sub-sect which he hails from, is also a major factor for his selection in the elections. BJP which has not fared better during the 2013 general elections in Central Karnataka wants to place a firm foot in the region.
District BJP president K S Naveen told The New Indian Express: "Sriramulu is an influential leader of Nayaka community in Karnataka and his contest from Molakalmuru will strengthen the party not only in district but also in the state. The Nayaka community which is holding decisive position in Chitradurga, Davangere, Ballari, Koppal, Raichur, Shivamogga and other parts of the state will favour BJP with his entry into poll fray."
On dropping of sitting MLA S Thippeswamy, he said: "To accommodate Sriramulu, Thippeswamy was dropped and there is no need of drawing issue out of it." S Thippeswamy has meanwhile rushed to Bengaluru to meet the party top brass.