Former minister and senior JD(S) leader M C Nanaiah is likely to take a decision on the future course of his action within 10 days.
He has expressed displeasure over the JD(S) leaders. It is said that he has been sidelined while selecting office-bearers for the JD(S) district wing. No positions have been given to his supporters. As the JD(S) have failed to seek his suggestions he has remained away from party activities for the past few months. Also, differences of opinion have cropped up between former minister and aspirant for the ticket from Madikeri assembly constituency B A Jeevijaya and Nanaiah. They are not sharing the dais together for the last few days.
In fact, it is said that Jeevijaya had placed a demand to oust Nanaiah from the party citing that Nanaiah has been coming in the way of victory of JD(S) candidates in Kodagu.
A meeting of Nanaiah's followers was held in Madikeri on Monday. Nanaiah had not taken part in the meeting. "I have not decided to leave the party. The sidelining of loyal supporters has saddened me. New members have been given positions. I am committed to the decision taken by my followers on uniting the secular forces."
In the meeting, leader Nanjappa said, "our leader who has worked the last 40 years for the party has been sidelined. In the 2013 assembly election, Jeevijaya was asked to give Virajpet assembly constituency for Nanaiah to contest. However, he had come in the way of it. Our leader has met injustice."
Another leader Muneer said, "Jeevijaya has been working against Nanaiah. He has been using blackmail tactics with the state high command." There are a few differences of opinion between state JD(S) president H D Kumaraswamy and Nanaiah. However, Jeevijaya has engaged in hate politics. He had even threatened to go out of a meeting recently for using the photograph of Nanaiah in a flex, added Muneer.
B A Ganapathi said "Nanaiah is not restricted to the state alone. He is a national leader. It is better if Nanaiah joins the Congress."
Virajpet Town Panchayat member Vishwanath said, "another meeting of JD(S) rebel leaders should be convened within 10 days to decide on the future course of action."
