Bengaluru: The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) is in a fix as there are no takers for Shivamogga party ticket for the upcoming bypolls.
According to the party sources, Shivamogga district unit, which had met on Monday, October 8, shortlisted the name of former primary and secondary education minister Kimmane Rathnakar as the party candidate. However, it is now said that the former minister has decided not to contest.
“In the 2014 general election, the Congress was in second place in Shivamogga. Naturally, the party can field its candidate after convincing the coalition partner JDS, but what is shocking is the fact that our leaders are not coming forward to contest,” said a senior party leader.
If sources are to be believed, the JDS is ready to field its candidate Madhu Bangarappa.
“Madhu is aware of the fact that he will not win, so he is now touring the UK,” said JDS sources.
“If the JDS and the Congress sources do not resolve the candidate problem, it may be a cake walk for the BJP candidate BY Raghavendra, son of former CM and Lingayat strongman BSY,” opine leaders from both the parties.
