Facing A Tough Contest In Chamundeshwari, CM Siddaramaiah Still Eyeing Badami

The prospect of Karnataka Chief Minister contesting Badami assembly seat in North Karnataka appears to have revived with Congress yesterday putting on hold the distribution of ‘B-Form’ for Devraj Patil, the candidate it had earlier announced for the seat, the Star of Mysore has reported.

In case Siddharamiah decides to take an electoral plunge in Badami, he will contest from two constituencies. He will also be entering the fray from his traditional pocket borough of Chamundeswari in Old Mysore region.

Observers think that a spirited campaign by Janata Dal (Secular) is certain to turn the contest in Chamundeshwari into a close one. JD(S) has renominated sitting MLA G T Devegowda, the veteran politician who was once a close associate of Siddaramaia., Devegowda is also a former minister and a three-time MLA from Hunsur and Chamundeshswari.

Initial reports suggested that Siddharamaiah made an all-out effort for securing tickets from Chamundeshwari and Badami at the meeting of the Party Central Election Committee in New Delhi, but the High Command did not relent.

“The party is having a rethink on its decision to field Devaraj Patil. Ticket for Devaraj has drawn strong protest from four-time MLA from Badami B.B. Chimmanakatti who had expressed his readiness to give up the seat for me. There is still confusion in Badami, and that is why it has been put on hold,” the portal quoted Siddharamiah as saying. “I will not contest from Badami and will only focus on Chamundeshwari. I have conveyed this to Party High Command. However, there is huge pressure on me to contest from Badami and yesterday too, many leaders from Badami have met me,” he added.

Congress leadership may commission a snap survey in Chamundeshwari and decide if Siddharamaiah is in trouble. Based on the survey, the party may decide to field him from Badami.