The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : BJP trying to cash in on discontent in Congress

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Monday, Apr 21, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

BJP trying to cash in on discontent in Congress

Special Correspondent

Some leaders from Mandya may resign from Congress

BJP aiming to strengthen its base in Mandya
Party also in touch with former police officer K.C. Ramamurthy

BANGALORE: The Bharatiya Janata Party is trying to gain political advantage from the rebellion in the Congress camp over distribution of ticket for the Assembly polls.

The BJP is in touch with several Congress leaders and former MLAs, especially those from Mandya district, who are disappointed over not getting the party ticket.

According to a senior BJP functionary, four or five “disgruntled” former MLAs from the Congress are likely to cross over to the party, possibly on Monday itself. The disappointed Congress leaders who are likely to join the BJP include the former Minister Atmananda; the former Bangalore Development Authority chairman L. R. Shivarame Gowda; the former MLA for Pandavapura, Kempe Gowda, and Madhu Made Gowda (all from Mandya district); and the former MLA S.P. Muddahanume Gowda.

According to BJP sources, the party would issue ticket to the above four leaders from Mandya district. The party does not have any problem in fielding the new entrants as it has not announced candidates for most of the seats in Mandya district.

The BJP, which does not have any base in Mandya district, is hoping that the entry of these leaders from Mandya would help strengthen its organisation in this Vokkaliga heartland.

The party is also said to be in touch with the former IPS officer K. C. Ramamurthy, who is disappointed over not getting the Congress ticket. However, the problem, according to party sources, is that Mr. Ramamurthy is particular about contesting the polls from Sarvagnanagar constituency in Bangalore. But the party has already fielded its candidate in this constituency.

The BJP hopes that the rebellion in the Congress camp would help divert the attention from the heartburn among some of its own leaders who did not get the party ticket.

Release put off

Meanwhile, the BJP, which was scheduled to release its election manifesto on Monday, is learnt to have put it off as its general secretary and Karnataka poll in-charge Arun Jaitley is unable to come to Bangalore on Monday due to his busy schedule.

The BJP, which is particular that Mr. Jaitley should release the manifesto, is likely to release it either on April 23 or 24.

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