Bhatkal MLA Sunil Naik likely to be dumped by BJP in candidate list, sources say might switch to JDS
Might contest as independent candidate, join BJP later: Sources
Bhatkal: Ahead of the release of the candidate list of the BJP, speculations in the local political circles are rife that the Saffron party is likely to dump its sitting MLA Sunil Naik from the constituency and would be fielding a fresh candidate as the party’s face in coming elections.
Sunil Naik, who was facing stiff opposition from within the party, is likely to switch to JD(S) and is reportedly in talks with the JD(S) high command for a ticket from the party.
Sources close to the MLA also added that he is mulling contesting the election as an independent candidate. The sources also added that Sunil Naik was exploring the prospects of him joining the BJP again if he manages victory in the election while also demanding a ministry portfolio for himself.
JD(S) on the other hand has remained a mute spectator of the situation in Bhatkal. Media reports had earlier claimed that the JD(S) chief and former CM HD Kumaraswamy had assured noted High Court lawyer Nagendra Naik of a party ticket from the constituency.
With Congress announcing former MLA Mankal Vaidya as its candidate, both BJP and JD(S) are trying to tackle an internal feud among several of its candidates, nursing ticket aspirations.
In the BJP, local leader Govinda Naik, a staunch Sangh Parivar activist has emerged as the front-runner for the ticket while Ishwar Naik is also among those being considered in the race.
In the JD(S) one of its most prominent local leaders Inayathullah Shabandri is still hopeful of a party ticket but the chances of his candidature look bleak with Nagendra Naik getting assurance from the party chief.
It will be interesting to see if JD(s) dumps Nagendra Naik as well as Shabandri to take the BJP’s dumped sitting MLA on board.
BJP is expected to release its list of candidates on Tuesday late night or Wednesday morning, after a series of meetings that have been held over the last two days in New Delhi. The meetings were attended by CM Bommai and party strongman BS Yediyurappa along with other senior leaders.
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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
