KOPPAL: In a last minute twist, former Union minister Basavaraj Patil Anwari, who is in the BJP now, could contest as JD(S) candidate from Koppal constituency. Former minister Iqbal Ansari, a close associate of JD(S) supremo Deve Gowda, has declared that he is the JD(S) candidate for the Koppal seat.
According to highlyplaced sources in the JD(S), Deve Gowda is trying all means to hook Anwari. Anwari, known for his election strategy, has represented Koppal twice, winning the seat on different party tickets.
He has the credit of getting elected from Koppal as JD(S) nominee, when a Congress wave swept the south.
However, Anwari, who is presently with the BJP, told Express that the JD(S) has to come out with a firm and clear proposal if it wants him. He pointed out that Iqbal Ansari has already begun campaigning as the JD(S) candidate. But, Gowda is said to be hell-bent on not giving an advantage to the BJP by fielding Ansari.
According to the JD(S) assessment, fielding Ansari could polarise votes of both communities. Ansari, who was recently made working president of the JD(S) state unit, is all set to be persuaded by Deve Gowda to facilitate Anwari’s candidature.
If Anwari enters the fray as the JD(S) candidate, it would lead to a triangular contest among the Congress, JD(S) and BJP, say political analysts.