Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Oct 14: It is learnt that Congress had decided to let go the Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency to JD (S) as it did not get an efficient and suitable candidate to field.

It is said that the contention of Madhu Bangarappa from JD (S), against the BJP candidate B Y Ragavendra, son of former CM B S Yeddyurappa is almost certain. The supremo of JD (S), Devegowda has asked Madhu Bangarappa, who is on a foreign tour at present to return to the country immediately. It is also said that minister D K Shivakumar has also had a word with Madhu Bangarappa in this regard.

If Madhu Bangarappa denies to contest, then, if actor Shivrajkumar agrees, the possibility of fielding Geetha Shivrajkumar, wife of Shivrajkumar is on the cards.

Madhu Bangarappa

Congress leaders not interested to contest

Out of the three Lok Sabha constituencies which are going for bypoll, it was agreed that JD (S) will contest from Mandya and Congress will contest from Shivamogga and Ballary under the pre-poll alliance between the coalition partners Congress and JD (S). The names of former minister Kimmane Ratnakar and district Congress leader Sundaresh were in the list of Congress for the Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency. Kagodu Timmappa had denied to contest citing his age as the reason.

Manjunath Bhandary, who had contested in the last Lok Sabha elections on Congress ticket did not show any interest this time. So it was certain that Kimmane Ratnakar would contest on Congress ticket from Shivamogga. However, as Kimmane Ratnakar also hesitated, it was decided to field Madhu Bangarappa from JD (S), in order give a strong fight to BJP, as per the reliable sources.