Political Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Udupi, Dec 7 : If sources close to CM HD Kumaraswamy and BJP leader, former MP K Jayaprakash Hegde are to be believed, the stage is set for a big political move in Udupi Lok Sabha constituency before just few months left for Lok Sabha election early next year.
J P Hegde, considered a secular political leader, who had a capacity of winning polls even without identifying with any political parties, and who served as state cabinet minister and as a Member of Parliament from Congress, is an ordinary BJP worker now without much attention from either party cadre or top leaders.
J P Hegde had joined BJP to protest against the denial of MLC ticket to him. He had stood as an independent in the MLC polls, but lost. Subsequently, he was expelled from the party.
Rumours were circulated around during state assembly polls that JP Hegde might seek 'Ghar Vapsi' provided he was given ticket from Kundapur or Byndoor. After the tremendous victory of BJP in the entire coastal belt, the prospects of JP Hegde in the party were further slimmed. Only his staunch followers, who were with him right from his initial political career, remained with him.
As per the sources, JP Hegde met chief minister H D Kumaraswamy recently and expressed his willingness to join JDS provided he was given the opportunity to contest polls from Udupi – Chikkamagaluru constituency. It is also reported that Hegde also met Congress leader Ahmed Patel in New Delhi to accept his candidature from Udupi, so that Congress high command will not oppose his name.
If both these reports are true, then the stage will be ready here for this planned move in Udupi Lok Sabha constituency after the five-state election results are out.
The reports from BJP also say that present MP Shobha Karandlaje is not so keen to contest this time and this has opened the door for many young candidates to seek ticket from Udupi Chikkamagaluru constituency. There is a strong voice, supported by Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat, that 'original' BJP workers must be given a chance instead of any migrated candidates.
Clarification from J P Hegde
Speaking to Daijiworld, J P Hegde denied the news of joining JDS. He also said that he has not met Congress leader Ahmed Patel and CM H D Kumaraswamy in this regard.