Tarikere MLA not renominated

The day AICC president Rahul Gandhi participated in a rally in Chikkamagaluru on March 21, G.H. Srinivas, MLA, had no hint that he would lose the Congress ticket this time. Hours before the rally, the MLA in a friendly talk with Chikkamagaluru district in-charge Minister Roshan Baig, was heard saying his wish was to become a Minister if the Congress comes to power again.

The party’s decision on Sunday not to field him this time came as a shock. He was in Delhi. Till late on Saturday, he was confident he would get a chance to contest from Tarikere for the second time. But, he got a hint that his name had not made it to the final list on Sunday morning.

“As per my information, Chief Minister Siddaramiah supported my name during the screening committee meeting. But I don’t know how I missed it and who was behind it,” the MLA said.

Meanwhile, in Tarikere, his home town, hundreds of workers assembled at his residence. Expressing anger over the party’s decision, his supporters demanded that Mr. Srinivas contest as an Independent.

Vani Srinivas, MLA’s wife, said she and her family were hurt by the development.

Mr. Srinivas plans to hold a meeting at Tarikere on Monday, after returning from Delhi and decide his future course of action. S.M. Nagaraj, former president of Tarikere Town Municipal Council, has been chosen by the Congress as its candidate.