BALLARI: The bypoll to Ballari Lok Sabha seat was touted to be a fight between BJP leader Sriramulu and district Minister D K Shivakumar, but it has now turned out to be a battle between the former and the full might of the state Congress.Many top Congress leaders, including Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Dinesh Gundu Rao and other ministers are camping in the district, focusing on the only LS seat the party is contesting.
The BJP, on the other hand, seems to have entirely left the task to its Molakalmuru MLA. For Sriramulu, it is a prestigious election as the bypoll was necessitated after he resigned following his election to the state assembly.The Congress has deputed many of its ministers in all the constituencies in the district and seems to be determined to win the polls. “There is no doubt, we will win these elections. It will be significant considering the future of 2019 LS polls,” said Farhan Ahmed, president, District Congress Minority Wing.
“The ministers are camping here. The responsibility of one constituency each has been given to them. For instance, Ballari Rural is entrusted to Krishna Byregowda, Ballari City to U T Khader, Ramesh Jharkiholi is looking after Kudligi, and Satish Jharkiholi has Hoovinahadagali,” said Mohammed Rafi, District Congress Committee president.
Senior leaders like former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are visiting Ballari and campaigning for their candidate V S Ugrappa. D K Shivakumar and KPCC president Dinesh Gundu Rao are monitoring the developments closely. The Congress is targeting Sriramulu more than the BJP is attacking the opponent.
“Sriramulu does have any knowledge of the Constitution.
He cannot participate in Parliamentary discussion. He will not understand Article 371, but will very well understand Section 420,” Siddaramaiah said. While the Congress has deployed many of its state leaders, Sriramulu is depending on local leaders for campaigning for his sister J Shanta.
BJP state president B S Yedyurappa seems to be busy campaigning in home district Shivamogga, where his son and BJP candidate B Y Raghavendra seems to be facing a tough fight from JD(S) candidate Madhu Bangarappa. The Congress is supporting JD (S) in the district.Even leaders like K S Eshwarappa and Jagadish Shettar are yet to visit the district.