Activities pick up across political spectrum with announcement of Hiriyur bypoll dates imminent

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at the unveillng of a statue of Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda, in Chitradurga on Tuesday.

With the announcement of the date of the bypoll to Hiriyur Assembly constituency in Chitradurga district expected shortly, political activity has gathered momentum across the political spectrum. The bypoll has been necessitated owing to the demise of former Minister D. Sudhakar.

While Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday was in Hiriyur to launch several development projects, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners met here separately for deliberations. The Congress is expected to name Suhas Sudhakar, son of the late leader, as its candidate. The Chief Minister told presspersons that he had four surveys done for the constituency, which showed the Congress had the support of 72% electorate based on development works taken up. He also promised to take up the issue of reservation under Scheduled Tribes category for Golla and Kadu Golla communities, which make up sizeable chunk of the electorate. “The Centre has rejected the proposal four to five times. A solution would be found after discussing with legal experts.”

The BJP set up a 12-member committee of in-charge leaders for the bypolls, and Janata Dal (Secular) leader and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy met leaders from Hiryur and neighbouring constituencies to elicit their views. Among those named as part of the BJP’s committee include former Ministers C.T. Ravi, Govind Karjol.

Urging workers to stay united and strengthen the party base, Mr. Kumaraswamy also cautioned them not to discuss the issue of ticket publicly, and that the matter would be discussed by both parties in the coordination committee meeting. Earlier, BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra had also announced that leaders of both parties would discuss before announcing the candidate.

It is learnt that the JD(S), which has a sizeable backing in Hiriyur and also neighbouring constituencies, would make a strong pitch for its party leader to be made the candidate. On Tuesday, Mr. Kumaraswamy held meetings with leaders from Hiriyur and neighbouring taluks of Chitradurga and Challakere in Chitradurga district, and Pavagada and Sira in Tumakuru district.

A party source said that the electorate from these neighbouring taluks will have a profound impact on elections in Hiriyur. “Families among Yadavas, Kurubas, Naiks and Kunchitiga communities across these five taluks have a unique culture bond established through marriage. Choice of candidate has to be done carefully,” the source added.