Anand Singh, Chikkamadu's son may join Congress

As election draws closer, party-hopping has intensified in the state. Speculations are rife in Congress circles that BJP MLA from Vijayanagara constituency in Ballari district Anand Singh will soon join the Congress.

Sources in the party said Singh met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently and discussed the possibility of his joining the Congress. Ballari district incharge Minister Santosh Lad was also present in the meeting. But it is said that the chief minister has not given him any assurance on the party ticket to contest the coming election from Vijayanagara.

The sources said the party high command is averse to inducting any BJP leader who is facing charges of illegal mining. Singh, who was once a close associate of the Reddy brothers in Ballari, is facing a SIT probe in connection with illegal mining.

Anand Singh has now distanced himself from the BJP. He did not take part in the Parivarthana Yatra held in Ballari recently. Singh also took part in the government-organised Tipu Jayanti celebrations recently despite the party's stand to oppose it.

Anil Chikkamadu, son of late Chikkamadu of the JD(S), is likely to join the Congress. The party is likely to field him as its candidate from HD Kote constituency in Mysuru district in the coming election. HD Kote was represented by Chikkamadu who passed away recently.

The sources said Anil, who met Siddaramaiah recently, is upset with the JD(S) for not promising him the ticket to contest the election. The Congress is planning to cash in on the sympathy factor by fielding Anil, the sources pointed out.