Bengaluru: The Janata Dal (Secular) has formally claimed the NDA ticket for the Hiriyur assembly bypoll, setting up a negotiation with its ally BJP over a seat the party considers its own ground.
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy made the pitch on Wednesday after meeting JD(S) leaders from Hiriyur and Chitradurga. Local leaders had strongly advocated fielding a JD(S) candidate, he said, and he would take the demand to the BJP's central leadership before a final decision.
The bypoll was necessitated by the death of former minister D. Sudhakar. The Election Commission has yet to announce the date.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was in Hiriyur on Tuesday to launch development works, and told reporters he had commissioned four surveys that showed the Congress had the support of 72% of the electorate on the strength of its work. The Congress is expected to name Suhas Sudhakar, the late leader's son.
Shivakumar also promised to pursue Scheduled Tribe reservation for the Golla and Kadu Golla communities, which form a sizeable part of the electorate. "The Centre has rejected the proposal four to five times. A solution would be found after discussing with legal experts," he said.
The BJP has set up a 12-member committee of in-charge leaders for the bypoll, including former ministers C.T. Ravi and Govind Karjol. State president B.Y. Vijayendra has said both parties would discuss the candidate before an announcement.
The JD(S) has sizeable backing in Hiriyur and the neighbouring taluks of Chitradurga and Tumakuru, which is why the ticket matters well beyond one seat.