MLC polls: BJP announces candidate, starts campaign

The Bharatiya Janata Party has already announced its candidate for the election to Legislative Council from local bodies of Kodagu district. But the Congress is still in confusion over the selection of candidate while the JD(S) is silent over the issue.

The term of the present Council member ends on January 5, 2016. The Election Commission is making arrangements for the election process.

The district has 104 gram panchayats, one City Municipal Council, three town panchayats, three taluk panchayats and one Zilla Panchayat.

The district BJP unit has announced its president Mandepanda Suja Kushalappa as its candidate.

In fact, the name of his brother Sunil Subramani was also sent to the party’s State top brass. However, the party leadership has finalised the name of Suja Kushalappa.

In fact, the BJP has already completed one round of campaign. It has contacted the gram panchayat members in Virajpet taluk seeking their cooperation during the election.

 BJP district spokesperson Subramani Upadhya told Deccan Herald:“There is a favourable atmosphere for BJP in the district. Suja Kushalappa has a capacity to take the party forward. He has direct contact with the gram panchayat members. The BJP has all chances of winning the election.”

Cong yet to decide
Meanwhile, the Congress has to search for a local candidate. Initially, there were talks in the party circle over fielding former MP A H Vishwanath. The discussion is also on fielding either the present MLC T John or his son Thomas. The names of Napanda Muthappa, Arun Machaiah, Mittu Chengappa, Chandra Mouli are also doing rounds.

In-charge District Congress Committee president T P Ramesh said, “The process of selecting the candidate has been started. The candidate will be selected and the name will be announced shortly after taking suggestions from the party high command.”

JD(S) district spokesperson Bharath said, “I had spoken to H D Kumaraswamy a few days ago. Some have shown interest in contesting the election.The candidate’s name will be announced shortly.”