BALLARI : A day after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited Sandur town in Ballari district, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the bypoll to the Sandur Assembly constituency. As per the schedule, the bypoll will be conducted on November 13, for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) reserved constituency, with the result slated to be declared on November 23.
As per Congress sources, either the wife or daughter of sitting MP E Tukaram is expected to get a ticket. As far as the BJP is concerned, its leaders are keen to win the Sandur contest, and gift the victory to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hence, the party is searching for suitable candidates. Among several hopefuls, former minister B Sriramulu’s name is also being circulating in the constituency. Meanwhile, it’s now the reputation of MLA G Janardhana Reddy versus that of former minister B Nagendra on the line in this bypoll. Just days ago, Reddy got permission from the Supreme Court to stay in Ballari district, while on Monday, Nagendra, who enjoys a strong base for the district, received bail in the ST corporation scam case.
KPCC spokesperson Venkatesh Hegade claimed that no matter who contests in the Sandur bypoll, the Congress is bound to win. “The development projects undertaken by Tukaram is the party’s biggest strength. In the last four Assembly polls, Tukaram had an edge over his opponents. During the inauguration of the guarantee scheme beneficiaries convention in Sandur on Monday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appreciated the works overseen by Tukaram.
Meanwhile, a senior BJP leader of Ballari said an able candidate will be named to represent the party in the bypoll. “The bypoll observer and survey team have referred some names to the party top brass. Eventually, whoever gets to be the candidate, will receive full support from the party leaders and workers, who will work hard for victory,” he added.