MYSORE: Even before the Election Commission could announce the date for the byelection to the Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency in Mysore, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy appears to have had a head start over his arch rival and former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the election campaign.

By visiting the constituency four times in the last one month, Mr. Kumaraswamy has not only shown the importance he is according to the byelection, but also made it clear that the JD (S) will leave no stone unturned to defeat Mr. Siddaramaiah, who is now with the Congress.

Mr. Kumaraswamy's frequent visits to villages in the constituency, staying in the houses of poor farmers, launching development programmes and announcing sops may have received a huge media attention. But, Mr. Siddaramaiah remains unmoved.

"The people of the constituency cannot be fooled. They know my contribution to the constituency since 1983. They consider me as a member of their family," the former Deputy Chief Minister said.

With the JD (S) facing the elections for the first time since Mr. Kumaraswamy came to power with the support of the BJP about eight months ago, the elections to Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency have become a prestige issue for the Chief Minister. After four visits in as many weeks, Mr. Kumaraswamy is planning to return to Mysore on October 5 and 6.

However, Mr. Kumaraswamy has sought downplay his obsession with Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency. "I am not visiting Mysore frequently with any political motive. The reason why I am visiting the city is to prevent Mysore from going the Bangalore way. I have not asked for votes even once during my speeches here. I am visiting Mysore because it is ranked the ninth best city in India for investment," he said.

The stakes are equally high for Mr. Siddaramaiah, who will be entering the fray for the first time as a Congress candidate. Even though the former Chief Minister is putting up a brave front, sources close to him admit that the impending electoral contest will not be as easy as he is making it out to be.

Mr. Siddaramaiah has been elected from this constituency four times, though he contested on six occasions. Despite his formidable stature as a "leader of masses," the chinks in the former Deputy Chief Minister's armour had been exposed by M. Rajashekara Murthy during the1989 polls and by A.S. Guruswamy during the 1999 elections.

Even if the JD (S) has not finalised its candidates, the party has begun wooing prominent political leaders from the Congress to its side.

Mavinahalli Sidde Gowda, a Vokkaliga strongman, quit the Congress recently and joined the JD (S) in the presence of Mr. Kumaraswamy on Vijayadashami in Mysore.

A former zilla panchayat member, Mr. Sidde Gowda is understood to wield influence in certain pockets of the constituency.

It remains to be seen whether the BJP will field its candidate for the seat or prefer to support the JD (S) nominee.

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