BJP to field SM Krishna against JDS supremo Deve Gowda from Bengaluru North?
Bengaluru: At a time when Bengaluru North Lok Sabha constituency hit the headlines recently over two BJP leaders placing their rights to contest from the constituency in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, another big name has now surfaced, expected to contest from Bengaluru North – former chief minister SM Krishna- is doing rounds in the political circle. Sources said that the BJP is planning to field SM Krishna from Bengaluru North to hound its political rivals.
Very recently, SM Krishna who was sidelined in the BJP so far, has resurfaced and has been pro-active with political activities like appearing in events and voicing his opinions on political issues. As JDS supremo and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda is also planning to contest from the same constituency, the BJP has reportedly decided to field Krishna to take on Deve Gowda. Currently, Union Minister DV Sadananda Gowda is representing the constituency in Lok Sabha..
Both Krishna and Deve Gowda holds the reputation of being top notch leaders from the Vokkaliga community and have never contested against each other in their long political career. If Deve Gowda contested from Bengaluru North, it will also influence Bengaluru South constituency where Vokkaligas are dominated and this will provide JDS to expand its base in Bengaluru. The BJP might have decided to field SM Krishna to tackle Deve Gowda which may decode Gowda’s plan against contesting from Bengaluru North.
As each constituency is important this time, the BJP has said that criteria for selecting the candidates are very important and for this, they are ready to deny ticket to the sitting members.
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No date fixed yet for leadership change in Karnataka: Cong chief Kharge
Kalaburagi (Karnataka) (PTI): Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said that no date has been fixed yet to discuss possible leadership change in Karnataka.
His statement came amid intensifying speculation over a power tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar.
Addressing a press conference here, Kharge maintained that any decision regarding leadership would be taken collectively by the party's high command after due consultation.
He also cautioned against misinterpretation of his remarks.
"See, we will take a decision together, the three of us: I as the AICC president, Sonia Gandhi as the Congress Parliamentary Party president, and Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. That is why we always act together," he explained.
Kharge further said, "When the three of us fix a date together, we will take a decision. Since no date has been fixed yet, how can I say whether a change is happening or not?"
He asserted that the Congress leadership follows a consultative process before arriving at any conclusion.
"In the high command, we have extensive discussions among ourselves and also consult other senior leaders. We consider what the outcome would be and then take steps accordingly," the Congress chief said.
Stressing that no timeline had been finalised, he said, "When it happens, I will definitely inform you. Please do not misinterpret this."
He noted that he often avoids commenting publicly to prevent misrepresentation.
Emphasising party discipline, Kharge said any eventual decision would be binding on all.
"Whatever decision is taken, it will be in the interest of the state, and everyone will have to support whatever decision the high command takes," he said.
On Thursday, Kharge said there was no change of CM in Karnataka "for now" and that the leadership issue in the state would be resolved soon.
The remarks come amid ongoing speculation over an alleged understanding for a power transfer to Shivakumar when the Congress government completes its halfway mark in November 2025.
While Siddaramaiah has asserted that he intends to complete a full five-year term, he has also said he would abide by any decision taken by the party leadership.
Recently, Shivakumar and his brother D K Suresh's Delhi visit triggered speculation of a leadership change. His supporters are also charged up.
