Karnataka byelections: With Narayanagowda, BJP hopes to make inroads in Mandya

MYSURU: The BJP, which has little or no presence in Mandya district , is hoping to open its account in the JD(S) stronghold through disqualified MLA KC Narayanagowda in KR Pete assembly segment in the bypoll.

Two-time legislator Narayanagowda has already begun touring the segment seeking votes for the ruling party.

The BJP has entrusted the responsibility of winning the segment to deputy chief minister CN Ashwath Narayan.

However, Narayanagowda is facing a backlash of sorts in his constituency. As a businessman with enterprises in Mumbai, Gowda has been rarely seen in the constituency, a fact not lost on people.

The JD(S), which is striving to retain the constituency, is set to encash on these negatives. Party candidate BL Devaraj , an advocate and Akkihebbalu zilla panchayat member, is also close to former PM HD Deve Gowda’s family. Devaraj, who had also served as the chairperson of Mysore Lamps Works Ltd, launched his campaign from Kikkeri, which is adjacent to Holenarasipura taluk in Hassan district. He was accompanied by former minister HD Revanna.

Former CM HD Kumaraswamy has visited the segment several times after Narayanagowda resigned. There was even speculation that he would field his son Nikhil from the constituency.

Congress candidate KB Chandrashekar, who lost the previous two assembly elections from the constituency, will have the last laugh if JD(S) workers, who are already divided in the constituency between JD(S) and BJP, cast their votes for Congress.