Shantha may contest Bellary bypoll

According to sources, a decision to this effect was taken at a meeting held by Sriramulu and his supporters on Friday evening.

Sriramulu, who is at present buying time, may announce his decision in a couple of days, if the BJP higher-ups decide against offering him the minsterial berth even if he won the byelection.

With very slim chances of him being made the minister, he has decided not to contest the election and instead field his sister.

During the Parliamentary elections in 2009, N Y Hanumanthappa from the Congress had filed a petition in the High Court, challenging the election of J Shantha. The matter has reached the final stage and the verdict will be soon out.