Bellary byelection brings about new political equations

The latest example is former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy announcing that he will campaign for former health minister and Independent candidate B Sriramulu for the November 30 bypoll. The announcement has raised the hackles among political observers, as it was Sriramulu’s mentor, Janardhana Reddy, who had made an allegation that Kumaraswamy had taken a bribe of Rs 150 crore from miners and had vowed to release a CD in this regard.

The announcement by the former chief minister has also created consternation among the JD(S) rank and file. The move has not gone down well with N R Suryanarayana Reddy, president of the party’s district unit. There are rumours that Reddy will join the BJP, along with his supporters. However, Reddy dismissed rumours that he is quitting the party and clarified that he was committed to any decision taken by the party leadership.

Reddy said he was not aware of Kumaraswamy’s visit and has also not directed his party workers to support Sriramulu.

Things are not hunky dory in the Congress camp too, with M Diwakar Babu, former minister and former president of the party’s district unit, not taking part in campaigning for the Congress candidate.

It is said Babu may also join the BJP and final discussions are on in this regard. If the Reddy brothers also go the Sriramulu way and quit the BJP, Diwakar Babu is sure to join the saffron party, Congress sources said. Babu is miffed at the candidate of his choice being ignored while choosing the Congress nominee for the bypoll.

Also, MLAs Somalingappa, Chandranaika, some of the Bellary Corporators and ZP members are said to be supporting the BJP now, following an appeal by State party president Eshwarappa.