MLC polls: 8 papers are in order

 The nomination files were scruitinised on Wednesday. Those who are in fray are Cong-JD(S) candidate T John, BJP candidate S G Medappa, rebel candidates Suja Kushalappa, C P Gopal, G L Nagaraj, S P Mahadevappa and independent candidates H S Ashok and Kudiyara Muthappa.

Friday is the last date for the withdrawl of the nomination. It is said that BJP leaders are pressurising MLA Appacchuranjan’s brother Suja Kushalappa to withdraw the nomination. However, Kushalappa had clarified that he will not bow to the pressure from the party high command and withdraw the nominations.

MLC S G Medappa said that he had not entered into an agreement to leave the MLA post to others in the election. However, Suja Kushalappa said “Medappa had agreed to give the seat to me. If there was no agreement on this, let him make a swearing on Goddess Cauvery.”

According to sources in BJP, neglecting two MLAs while giving ticket to S G Medappa has given rise to rebel candidates in the party. In fact, BJP President M P Sunil Subramani’s name was in the list till BJP announced its list. In fact, an influential Minister had assured him of a ticket and asked him to carry out the campaign. Even when District unit President was in Bangalore, without consulting him, Medappa’s name was included in the probable candidates list which has led to dissidence in the party, said a leader on condition of anonymity to Deccan Herald.  

It was said that State President Sadananda Gowda, Shobha Karandlaje, Minister R Ashok played a vital role in giving ticket to Medappa.  If rebel candidates fail to withdraw their nominations, then BJP candidate S G Medappa has to fight the election alone. BJP district President Sunil Subramani, MLA M P Appacchuranjan, Assembly in-charge Speaker K G Bopaiah have remained away from the candidate. Will the rebel candidates withdraw their nominations? It will be known on Friday.