Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 29: The BJP, which was targeting to win at least ten seats as per information, has got some consolation in the form of intelligence inputs as per which the party is poised to win nine seats in the bypoll. The BJP was concerned about all-out attack mounted by the Congress leaders against it and Siddaramaiah's efforts to project people fielded by the BJP as traitors.

The party had reasons to worry as several potent leaders of the party had raised the banner of revolt against its decision to field disqualified MLAs. Added to its trouble was the collapse of Maharashtra government led by the BJP. The leaders were spending sleepless nights at the possibility of winning less than eight seats in which case the government faced the risk of losing majority.

B S Yediyurappa

It is said that the predictions have hinted that nine seats will definitely go to the BJP while the chances are 50:50 in six other constituencies and hence the last minute mindset of voters will influence the result. The report has warned that the BJP is almost sure to face setback in Old Mysuru region constituencies, K R Pet and Hunsur. The report has advised the BJP to put more efforts in Chikkaballapur, Hospet, Athani, Yellapur, Shivajinagar and Yeshwantpur constituencies to make sure that the balance does not get tilted against the saffron party.

The report has asked the BJP to concentrate on Hoskote constituency where BJP's MTB Nagaraj is facing the challenge of rebel BJP candidate, Sharat Bache Gowda, who has the support of the JD(S). As Sharat is concentrating on bagging Vokkaliga votes by playing the caste card, the report has asked the BJP to step up its efforts if it wants to ensure that this seat does not slip away from its hands.

The intelligence report has said that the BJP will face no problem in winning in Ranebennur, Mahalaxmii Layout, Gokak and K R Nagar constituencies where the Congress candidates are facing opposition from within. The fact that the candidates put up by the Congress and JD(S) are not strong enough in certain constituencies, assisted by organized campaigning, strong organizational network from the booth level and huge teams of committed workers, may favour the BJP.

It is said that chief minister B S Yediyurappa, has asked intelligence officials to give him inputs on a daily basis in order to make necessary changes in the strategies.