Earlier, there were strong rumours that fomer chief minister B S Yeddyurappa will be arriving to Tumkur. However, bowing to the pressures of his followers and party workers, Mr Sogadu Shivanna has decided to contest for the fourth time from Tumkur Assembly constituency.

 Speaking to Deccan Herald, Mr Sogadu Shivanna said, “Thanks to the love and affection of the people of Tumkur and my followers’ support and faith, I have decided to contest for the fourth time from Tumkur. And in case, if Mr Yeddyurappa would like to contest from Tumkur, then I shall not contest from any other place, but will strive to work towards the victory of Mr Yeddyurappa. For me, the progress, peace and development of Tumkur and its people is important,” he added.

Massive support

Now that all the doubts with regards to the candidate had been cleared, it was sure that Mr Sogadu Shivanna was now prepared to contest from Tumkur. Mr Sogadu Shivanna is a very strong leader in Tumkur and there are chances of him getting massive support from the public.

Also, the Congress candidate is yet to be finalised, thanks to groupism and differences of opinion prevailing there, it had still not been decided as to who will constest from the Congress. Also, apart from this, it was due to Mr Sogadu Shivanna’s efforts that a Rs 52 crore worth special package had been announced to Tumkur and also, in view of the Janma Shatamanotsava celebrations of Shri Shivakumar Swamiji of Siddaganga Math, the constituency had received Rs 10 crore towards development.

All these facts are going to prove positive to Mr Sogadu Shivanna, the party members analyse. However, Mr Sogadu Shivanna has only responded that he would do whatever work the party would entrust him to do.

And in case, if Yeddyurappa decides to contest both - from his native constituency and also from Tumkur, then Mr Sogadu Shivanna said, he would step aside and still fight the victory of Mr Yeddyurappa day and night.