S.P. Muddahanume Gowda, incumbent Congress MP, who filed nomination papers as “rebel” candidate against former Prime Minister and JD(S) nominee H.D. Deve Gowda in Tumakuru constituency, is considering withdrawing from the contest after talks with senior Congress leaders.
Friday is the last day for withdrawal of nominations and Mr. Muddahanume Gowda is expected to withdraw papers on that day. Under the seat-sharing formula, the Congress conceded the party’s seat to the JD(S) and this has resulted in discontent in the Tumakuru unit of the Congress.
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president Dinesh Gundu Rao, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, and other leaders have reportedly spoken with Mr. Muddahanume Gowda and convinced him about the necessity of withdrawing from the contest in the context of the coalition dharma.
Sources said that Mr. Deve Gowda on Wednesday had a telephonic conversation with K.C. Venugopal, AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka, and reportedly told him to direct the party leaders in the State to follow the coalition dharma in Mandya, Hassan, and Tumakuru constituencies.
Meanwhile, Mr. Parameshwara held meetings with the JD(S) and Congress leaders in Tumakuru. The meeting also resolved to hold a joint campaign from Tumakuru. He said there would be meetings of workers of both parties from April 1.
He said that he would also persuade Congress leader K.N. Rajanna, who has filed as an Independent candidate, to withdraw his nomination papers.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Mr. Rajanna said that he met Mr. Dinesh Gundu Rao on Tuesday night and will meet former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday. “My decision on withdrawing the nomination depends on the decision of Mr. Muddahanume Gowda,” he said.
On Wednesday, the nomination papers of Mr. Muddahanume Gowda was rejected as there was no B-Form from the Congress. However, his nomination papers as an Independent candidate from Tumakuru has been accepted. The supporters of Mr. Muddahanume Gowda said he was busy conducting meetings of his supporters and leaders at his residence in Bengaluru.
Siddaramaiah too to campaign
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said Congress leaders, including coordination committee chairperson Siddaramaiah, will be campaigning for JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda in Tumakuru.
Mr. Gowda himself will be campaigning in the district on April 4 and 5. He will be campaigning in the district for 4 to 6 days and will be visiting all the eight legislative constituencies in Tumakuru.