Mysuru: State Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reportedly written a letter to Congress high command to give him more powers to strengthen the support base for the party in the forthcoming assembly elections.
During a secret meeting of his community (Kuruba) leaders from Mysuru region last night, CM reportedly told his supporters to back him totally and reassured them of his support in return. This move is to counter the opposition after former minister and veteran Kuruba leader H Vishwanath switched sides to Janata Dal (Secular) sometime ago. He has reportedly asked the Congress high command to vest more powers on him in the selection of candidates to increase the Congress support base in the region dominated by Kurubas.
CM reportedly wants to field his confidante H P Manjunath from Hunsur Assembly constituency to checkmate H Vishwanath.
Normally the KPCC chief has a major say in the selection of candidates but with his clout, CM intends to tighten his grip to ensure the victory of leaders supporting him from the Old Mysuru region. He is inclined to field his son Dr. Yathindra from Varuna Constituency and making efforts all out to ensure the selection of candidates owing allegiance to him in the other constituencies.
It is not clear which constituency the CM will contest from but many of his supporters favour Chamundeshwari which gave him political rebirth.
