BENGALURU: In a strategic move, Congress is actively pursuing the return of former MPs, Muddu Hanumegowda and Ramesh Katti, aiming to field them from Tumkur and Chikkodi Lok Sabha constituencies, respectively. Hanumegowda left Congress and joined BJP after being denied the party ticket to contest from Tumkur in 2019.
Congress had formed an alliance with JD(S) and the Tumkur seat was given to the JD(S) to contest despite Hanumegowda being the incumbent MP. JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda contested and lost. Now, with alliance dynamics changed, Congress is hoping to lure Hanumegowda back into its fold.
A senior Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) functionary confirmed this, saying, “Already two rounds of talks have been held, and an official announcement will be made anytime soon. Hanumegowda is also keen to return.” Congress had initially considered former BJP minister V Somanna for the Tumkur seat, but his indecision prompted them to explore other options.
The party was eager to capitalise on Somanna’s connections with the Siddaganga Mutt, revered by locals, and his influence over the Lingayat community, a significant chunk of the electorate in the constituency. Meanwhile, Congress is making a concerted effort to woo Ramesh Katti, who represented Chikkodi in 2009.
Despite losing to Congress’ Prakash Hukkeri in 2013 and being overlooked for the ticket in 2019, Katti remains a prominent figure. Sources say Katti is disenchanted with the BJP leadership for denying him the Lok Sabha ticket in 2019 and failing to fulfil promises regarding his elevation to the position of MLC.
Congress aims to leverage this dissatisfaction to its advantage. However, Katti vehemently denied any intention of switching parties. “It is true that I have sought a ticket either from Belgaum or Chikkodi seats. But whether I get it or not, I will continue to remain in BJP.
There is no question of joining any other party,” he said, while claiming no Congress functionary had approached him to switch sides. Congress has set itself a target of winning at least 20 of the 28 seats in the state. If it does, it would be a remarkable increase from the lone seat in won in 2019.
With these efforts, it aims to strengthen its position in key constituencies and navigate the intricate web posed by the BJP-JD(S) alliance. Sumalatha may join Cong In a separate development, incumbent Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh is reportedly exploring the possibility of joining Congress. After winning as an independent with BJP’s support in 2019, Sumalatha is considering the move due to the likelihood of BJP allocating the Mandya seat to JD(S).
Congress had formed an alliance with JD(S) and the Tumkur seat was given to the JD(S) to contest despite Hanumegowda being the incumbent MP. JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda contested and lost. Now, with alliance dynamics changed, Congress is hoping to lure Hanumegowda back into its fold.
A senior Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) functionary confirmed this, saying, “Already two rounds of talks have been held, and an official announcement will be made anytime soon. Hanumegowda is also keen to return.” Congress had initially considered former BJP minister V Somanna for the Tumkur seat, but his indecision prompted them to explore other options.
The party was eager to capitalise on Somanna’s connections with the Siddaganga Mutt, revered by locals, and his influence over the Lingayat community, a significant chunk of the electorate in the constituency. Meanwhile, Congress is making a concerted effort to woo Ramesh Katti, who represented Chikkodi in 2009.
Despite losing to Congress’ Prakash Hukkeri in 2013 and being overlooked for the ticket in 2019, Katti remains a prominent figure. Sources say Katti is disenchanted with the BJP leadership for denying him the Lok Sabha ticket in 2019 and failing to fulfil promises regarding his elevation to the position of MLC.
Congress aims to leverage this dissatisfaction to its advantage. However, Katti vehemently denied any intention of switching parties. “It is true that I have sought a ticket either from Belgaum or Chikkodi seats. But whether I get it or not, I will continue to remain in BJP.
There is no question of joining any other party,” he said, while claiming no Congress functionary had approached him to switch sides. Congress has set itself a target of winning at least 20 of the 28 seats in the state. If it does, it would be a remarkable increase from the lone seat in won in 2019.
With these efforts, it aims to strengthen its position in key constituencies and navigate the intricate web posed by the BJP-JD(S) alliance. Sumalatha may join Cong In a separate development, incumbent Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh is reportedly exploring the possibility of joining Congress. After winning as an independent with BJP’s support in 2019, Sumalatha is considering the move due to the likelihood of BJP allocating the Mandya seat to JD(S).