Congress begins strategy to retain assembly seat

Bengaluru: The ruling Congress has begun preparations for the by-election to the Hiriyur Assembly constituency, which fell vacant following the death of former minister D. Sudhakar. With discussions over the ticket and election strategy gaining momentum even before the poll schedule is announced, the party has convened a key meeting at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office on Friday, October 16.

The meeting will be held at 11 am under the leadership of KPCC president B K Hariprasad. The Chitradurga District Congress Committee president, KPCC and Block Congress Committee observers, former legislators, KPCC office-bearers, Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat members, former municipal councillors and Hiriyur Block Congress functionaries are expected to attend.

The Congress is keen to retain the seat, which was held by the party, and the meeting is expected to focus on preparations for the bypoll and the selection of a candidate. The possible candidature of Suhas Sudhakar, son of the late legislator, has emerged as a key point of discussion. A section of party workers is reportedly demanding that he be given the ticket, citing his family’s political background.

The Congress may consider a similar approach to the one reportedly adopted in the by-elections in Davanagere and Bagalkot, where candidates from the families of deceased political leaders were considered. However, the final decision on the Hiriyur candidate rests with the party leadership. Several other aspirants are also understood to be lobbying for the ticket. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is reportedly inclined towards Suhas Sudhakar’s candidature, and preparations are said to be under way behind the scenes. Meanwhile, the BJP has yet to finalise its candidate. A meeting of NDA leaders has been held, with BJP state president B Y Vijayendra tasked with preparing a list of potential candidates.