Bengaluru: The BJP is facing a rebellion in four of the 15 assembly constituencies which are going for by-elections. This comes as a big headache for the party.
In Hosakote, Sharath Bachegowda, general secretary of the party state youth wing is contesting as an independent candidate. He is backed by JD(S). This is expected to lead to the consolidation of Vokkaliga votes. Both BJP and Congress have fielded Kuruba candidates.
In Vijayanagara (Ballari), Kaviraj Urs, a former ZP member, and local BJP strongman is contesting as an independent candidate. He is expected to ease the way for the Congress, which has fielded a strong candidate.
In Gokak, party veteran Ashok Pujari is contesting as the JDS candidate. He is expected to eat into the OBC votes from the BJP’s kitty.
In Athani, BJP ZP member Guru Dasyala is contesting as JDS candidate. This comes as a big surprise for the party as he is considered as a popular lingayat leader of Belagavi district.