Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jun 26: Even as Siddaramaiah, who has sensed that 'Ahinda (minorities, backward classes, dalits)' would have deserted the Congress during the Lok Sabha election, and hence has reportedly been keen on breathing new life into ‘Ahinda’ movement that was once close to his heart, former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, taking note of the above, has been drawing up strategies to make sure that the 'Ahinda' votebank does not slip out of his party's hands.

This has paved way for another epic battle between Deve Gowda, who happens to be the erstwhile mentor of Siddaramaiah before the 'disciple' parted ways with him, and Siddaramaiah. Both the parties are vying to survive the challenges posed by the changing scenario, and at the same time, making sure that the battle does not adversely affect the coalition government.

Siddaramaiah (left) and H D Deve Gowda

Gowda is aware that if Siddaramaiah begins to ensure the backing of 'Ahinda' groups through conventions and meetings, there is likelihood of a big chunk of these votes getting diverted towards the Congress. Siddaramaiah, even while supporting the coalition government, may improve his prominence with the help of Congress legislators and ministers by winning over confidence of leaders of these communities, to the advantage of his party. Deve Gowda knows that being a silent spectator at this juncture can spell doom for his party in the future.

Therefore, Deve Gowda has taken interest in organizing meetings of caste-wise and community-wise leaders, besides keeping in constant touch with other leaders. He also has been convening meetings of defeated party legislators, felicitation for winners in urban local bodies, and also congratulatory meetings for even defeated party candidates with the specific objective of sending them a signal that the party has recognized them and the party will always be with them at all times.

Deve Gowda has also been visiting party office thrice every week and has been contacting party leaders who were dismayed by the party's loss in Lok Sabha election, and instilling in them confidence.