A section of Congress leaders in Holenarsipur Assembly constituency has opposed Government Employees’ Association president Bagur Manje Gowda’s entry into the poll fray in Holenarasipur. The leaders have demanded the ticket for S.G. Anupama, the daughter-in-law of late G. Puttaswamy Gowda.
Recently an audio clip of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asking Mr. Manje Gowda to resign immediately and start election-related work in Holenarasipur emerged.
The CM also told a leader of the party, on the phone, to support Mr. Manje Gowda, questioning how long JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda and his sons should win there. The clip went viral and CM clarified that it was he who spoke and defended his action. Mr. Manje Gowda, a Transport Department official, did not submit an application seeking a ticket from the party. However, he began meeting voters. Recently, he hosted a lunch for hundreds of voters.
Mujahid Pasha, taluk president of the party’s campaign committee, told The Hindu, “We have sought a ticket for Anupama, who gave a tough fight to H.D. Revanna in last two elections. Like me, many in the constituency have written to party leaders opposing the entry of Mr. Manje Gowda.” He has also written to Lok Sabha member D.K. Suresh, who is an observer for Hassan district. “In 1985, the Congress had denied ticket to G. Puttaswamy Gowda and fielded T.L. Krishna Kumar, who was not known to voters. Puttaswamy Gowda, who contested as an independent secured 38,063, while the party’s official candidate forfeited his deposit by securing only 2,246 votes. H.D. Deve Gowda had easily won that time. If Puttaswamy Gowda’s family is ignored this time, the same situation might repeat,” he said. A few leaders of the party have written similar letters to Mr. Suresh.
Ms. Anupama has also criticised these developments. “I have submitted my application seeking party ticket. It seems the CM has been misled by some. Manje Gowda is a native of Channarayapatna taluk. He is in no way concerned with Holenarasipur,” she said. Asked what would be her next move if the party denied her the ticket, Anupama said she would hold a meeting with her supporters and decide as per the wish of her supporters.
