Karnataka: Rumours of Siddaramaiah contesting from Saundatti refuse to die down

BELAGAVI: The rumour that opposition leader Siddaramaiah would contest from the Saundatti Assembly constituency in the coming elections has been circulating for some time.
The seat is held by deputy Speaker Anand Mamani.
The Congress leader has neither denied nor confirmed the rumour.
The visits of KPCC working president Satish Jarkiholi to the Saundatti constituency have added to the curiosity. There is a buzz that Satish is preparing the constituency for the former CM.
Although Mamani, who is in the BJP, won this seat three times, he did that by a thin margin.
The Congress has a strong base in the constituency and Satish has been focused on it.
Earlier, it was thought that Satish himself would contest Saundatti, but he denied the rumour.
Congress candidate Vishwas Vaidya, who was defeated by Mamani in the 2018 elections, is a close follower of Satish. He has been constantly active in the constituency after the 2018 elections. Another leader, Panchanagouda Dyamangoudar, is a strong aspirant for a Congress ticket.
Satish said preference will be given to local leaders. “No official discussion has happened regarding Siddaramaiah contesting from Saundatti. But anything can happen in politics,” he said.
Saundatti is known for the temple of the deity Renuka Yallamma. It is one of the top 10 highest-earning temples in the state.
The state government has planned to develop this temple on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Uttar Pradesh.