Mysuru: The state Chief Minister Siddaramiah is likely to camp in the city for 10 days before the crucial by-polls in Nanjanagud and Gundlupete Assembly constituencies, sources revealed.
Chief Minister is likely to lead the campaign at Gram Panchayat levels and the entourage is likely to have 15 state ministers in what is termed as prestigious battle for the chief minister before the State Assembly elections due next year.
Siddaramiah is likely to reach Mysuru 10 days before the by-polls and might extend his stay before the deadline for campaign ends on April 7. During his stay, he is likely to devise strategies to counter BJP and to ensure victory at Gundlupete constituency following the death of his close colleague Mahadeva Prasad, where his wife Geetha is the Congress candidate.
JDS support vital
Knowing the sizeable support for Janata Dal (Secular) in both Assembly constituencies, chief minister is likely to woo local JDS leaders for support to combat Srinivas Prasad in Nanajanagud and to ensure victory of Geetha Mahadevaprasad.
With time running out, the battle lines are clearly drawn in what is predicted as a trendsetter before State Assembly polls in 2018.
It may be recalled that JDS has decided not to field any candidate in both the constituencies.