Mysuru: The Congress party’s position in Chamarajanagar area is pathetic after the demise of H S Mahadeva Prasad, who belonged to the Lingayath community. In his passing, Congress party’s fortunes too have diminished with the many local leaders tilting towards BJP. Good performance by JDS in APMC elections has made things worse for the Congress. All unexpected events including the death of own his son and once friend turned foe V Srinivas Prasad switching sides have only increased CM Siddaramaiah’s woes.
The congress beaming in confidence not long ago is suddenly sulking with none to lead Lingayath flock in the old Mysuru region. The party which boasted of leaders like K S Nagarathnamma, M Rajashekhara Murthy, M S Gurupadaswamy and Mahadevu, is now searching for a leader from the Lingayath (Veerashaiva) community.
BJP sideling V Somanna is turning out to be a blessing for the Congress party in the present political scenario which is on the lookout for a prominent Lingayath leader. It is gathered that Somanna, once a Congressman is inclined to return to Congress. The CM is ready to extend a warm welcome to Somanna as it serves both leaders with the former seeking party revival and the latter seeking personal revival. Somanna perfectly fits into the scheme of things, simply because of his connection with the Chamarajanagar electorate ever since he became the district In-charge minister. He had shown inclination to represent Hanur Assembly constituency in the district because of his grass root links.
Things have turned sour in BJP for the leader, originally a Bengalurean, since then. Being a people’s leader Somanna has the skill to turn fortunes in his favour, given an opportunity. Realising the situation, CM Siddramaiah is planning to bring him back into the party fold to lead the Lingayath folk in Chamarajanagar constituency. It would also help to stop the exodus of Congressmen after V Srinivas Prasad switched over to BJP in the old Mysuru region. In addition, the move will split the Lingayath votes in the ensuing Nanjanagud by-elections to Congress party’s advantage.
Isn’t politics an art of the impossible?
