Bengaluru: The Ruling JDS and Congress parties have taken the Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency very seriously. With the BJP re-nominating incumbent MP Pratap Simha, who is known for his hardcore Hindutva ideology, the JDS and Congress have decided to campaign together to defeat him.
According to sources, former chief minister Siddaramaiah is keen on defeating Simha. CM H D Kumaraswamy, who is upset with Simha for attacking him, directed the party leaders, especially higher education minister G T Devegowda, to ensure a huge lead and victory for the Congress candidate C H Vijayashankar in his constituency.
“CM HDK has personally directed GTD to campaign with the Congress candidate. He doesn’t want any understanding between JDS Mysuru leaders and Pratap Simha due to caste factors,” said a leader.
“GTD has been directed to travel along with C H Vijayashankar and ensure that the JDS votes are not transferred to the BJP,” he explained.
Meanwhile, C H Vijayashankar met tourism minister S R Mahesh at his residence on Friday and requested his support.