The entry of the third generation of the family of Janata Dal (Secular) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda has provided a contrasting picture over the last 10 days or so.
Prajwal Revanna, son of the former Minister H.D. Revanna, whose interest in contesting in the Assembly elections had become a bone of contention, has restricted himself to campaigning for his father in Holenarsipur constituency in Hassan district.
Meanwhile, his cousin Nikhil Gowda, son of the former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, whose entry into political scene is still being speculated, has been touring the party’s strong hold of Old Mysore region in the past 10 days.
Mr. Nikhil has already finished touring several constituencies across Tumakuru, Ramanagaram and Mandya districts, party sources said, and added that he has been drawing good crowd at his rallies. With Mr. Kumaraswamy contesting from Ramanagaram and Channapatna constituencies, Mr. Nikhil’s focus is also on Ramanagaram district, party sources said.
“The fact that he is in the film industry and him being the son of Mr. Kumaraswamy, who is popular in the region, are helping his rallies draw crowd. He is reducing the burden of his father by touring the constituencies,” sources said.
BENGALURU - KARNATAKA - 27/11/2017 : Prajwal Revanna, son of Janata Dal (Secular) legislature party leader H.D. Revanna, and grandson of JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda, appointed as the general secretary of state JD(S), greeted by his supporters, while taking charge at JD (S) party office, in campaigning for the party ahead of the assembly elections, in Bengaluru on November 27, 2017. Photo: K. Murali Kumar
However, on the other hand, Mr. Prajwal has not moved to any other constituency ever since his father filed his nomination in Holenarsipur on April 20. Months before the elections were declared, his interest to contest had generated enough speculation in political circles.
While he had first sought to contest from Belur or Hunsur, he had then sought his family’s approval to contest from R.R. Nagar segment in Bengaluru. However, all his requests were denied. His outbursts against the party leadership during this time had also grabbed the headlines.
Party sources close to him said Mr. Prajwal is expected to remain in Holenarsipur where his father is facing a tough fight from Congress candidate and former president of Karnataka Government Employees Association B.P. Manje Gowda. Party sources were not sure if he will campaign in other constituencies. His elder brother Suraj Revanna is also campaigning for his father.
Mr. Gowda acknowledged that he has advised Mr. Prajwal to concentrate on seven constituencies in Hassan district before venturing out. “Nobody can ignore him. Similarly, Nikhil is campaigning in Ramanagaram and other districts,” Mr. Gowda said.
