JD(S) keen on contesting in all constituencies in DK district

Mangaluru: When the entire poll scenario in Dakshina Kannada is largely perceived as a direct fight between the BJP and Congress, the JD(S) is also keen on contesting in all the eight constituencies in the district, according to party sources. The district is witness to hectic parleys in the BJP and Congress, regarding the finalisation of candidates. However, not much noise is heard from the JD(S) in the district. The party has not yet officially declared names of candidates for Belthangady, Moodbidri, Mangaluru City North, Mangaluru City South, Mangaluru, Bantwal, Puttur and Sullia in Dakshina Kannada.
Party state spokesperson MB Sadashiva told TOI that the party has decided to announce candidates for Dakshina Kannada in the second list. “Most probably, we will contest in all the eight constituencies of Dakshina Kannada,” he said. The party will make an official announcement regarding candidates for Dakshina Kannada within two days, Sadashiva asserted. “We have been following a wait and watch strategy to understand the political developments taking place in Dakshina Kannada. Hence, we have not announced the names of candidates yet,” he said.


There are many leaders keen on contesting from Dakshina Kannada, including party Mahila JD(S) former president Sumathi S Hegde, who is an aspirant for the Mangaluru City South seat, he said.
“However, nothing has been finalised. Party workers in Sullia have sent a resolution with a suggestion to field Dr HL Venkatesh from the constituency. We have been watching political developments in Sullia too. For example, HM Nandakumar is a popular leader, and an aspirant for Sullia constituency from the Congress. However, the Congress has not given a ticket to him. If he is willing to join the JD(S) and contest with a JD(S) ticket, we may consider his application also. Such possibilities cannot be ruled out,” he said.
Further, he brushed aside rumours that the JD(S) would not contest from Mangaluru constituency represented by UT Khader, and said, “Ours is a secular party and there will be no understanding on the basis of caste and religion.”