BJP at sea with Udupi Lok Sabha candidate

The selection of candidate for Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha constituency has become a tricky issue for the BJP with the sitting MP - former chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda - keen on contesting the polls from Bangalore North.

Rumour has it that Gowda is “reluctant” to face elections from his present seat since he has done little for the constituency during his tenure as Lok Sabha member. Going by public opinion, he was hardly seen attending any public programmes as an elected representative.

However, when contacted, Gowda maintained that he was prepared to contest the polls from any constituency in the State. “As a person who has held various posts in several capacities, it is not appropriate on my part to declare myself a candidate for any constituency. The party has to decide my candidature.

I have made it clear that I will abide by the decision of the party and I am confident of wining from wherever I contest,” he said. Speaking to mediapersons here on Wednesday, Gowda said that there was nothing wrong in aspiring to contest from the constituencies where one feels comfortable. He said he has no objection if R Ashoka or D B Chandre Gowda wish to contest from Bangalore North.

District BJP president Tingale Vikramarjuna Hedge said the party candidates can win from any constituency. He said he had no information on issue of tickets, but claimed that Gowda was “preferring” Bangalore North. Gowda is facing tough competition from former Home minister R Ashoka for the Bangalore North ticket.

Unlike the BJP, there seems to be no confusion in the Congress when it comes to Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency. It is most likely to field sitting MP K Jayaprakash Hegde.