Nikhil Kumaraswamy likely to secure Channapatna ticket for bypoll?

BENGALURU : Following the resignation of C P Yogeshwar as Member of Legislative Council (MLC), the buzz around candidate selection in the JD(S) has intensified. The party’s state youth wing president Nikhil Kumaraswamy met former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, triggering much speculation.

Yogeshwar on Monday met Legislative Council chairman Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri in Hubballi and tendered his resignation as member of the Upper House. His resignation was immediately accepted.

Speaking to the media after meeting Deve Gowda, Nikhil said that he did not say that he wouldn’t contest the election. “The people of Channapatna have won in the last two Assembly elections. This is Kumaranna’s constituency. Delhi leaders told Kumaraswamy to take any decision. The BJP assured them that they will stand with JD(S) decision as the alliance should not be disturbed”, he said.

Nikhil, son of former CM Kumaraswamy, clarified that his meeting with Deve Gowda wasn’t to confirm candidacy. He emphasized that maintaining alliance harmony was prime, saying, “We respect national leaders and won’t rush into decisions”.

Nikhil further said, “Whatever our decision is, it will be taken after looking at the pros and cons. Although we have freedom, we have not declared a candidate. The reason for this is that national leaders should be respected. We don’t take any hasty decisions after looking at a person’s behaviour. We have shown great generosity in the matter of C P Yogeshwar. Our leaders have invited Yogeshwar. What else to do?” Nikhil asked.

He added, “We have worked as part of an alliance in the Lok Sabha polls. So there has been harmony between the workers of both parties. It has been clarified that no decision can be made based on the behaviour of a person”.