Friends turn foes in poll arena

Mysore, Apr 30(UNI) The Mysore region is not an exception to the rule in politics, 'yesterday's friends can be today's foes and cross swords in the poll arena: a few thick friends of the 2004 Assembly elections have turned bitter enemies and vice-versa for the 2008 Assembly polls in the state.

The electorate are totally confused by the sudden decision of leaders changing their party affiliation because of denial of tickets.

C Basave Gowda, former Mysore urban development Chairman and former minister D T Jayakumar who had taken up the responsibility of building the Janata Dal(S) in Mysore region and worked together for nearly two years after the exit of former Deputy Chief Minister Siddramiah and G T Deve Gowda, are now contesting against each other in Chamundeswari Assembly constituency. While Basave Gowda is contesting for the Janatadal(S), Mr Jayakumar is contesting on the Bahujan Samaj Party(BSP) ticket, after he was denied ticket to contest from Chamundeswari.

The situation is no different in Hunsur assembly constituency.

It was Mr G T Deve Gowda, former minister, who brought Mr Chikkmadhu, allegedly neglected in the Congress, to Janata Dal(S).

He made him an MLC. However, after Mr Deve Gowda joined the BJP, Mr Chikkmadhu became a prominent leader in the Janata Dal(S). He is now opposing Mr Gowda in Hunsur.

Another contest between friends was, however, avoided in the Narasimharaja assembly constituency in Mysore city. Mr B P Manjunath, BJP's official candidates and rebal E Maruthi Rao Pawar filed his nomination papers for same constituency. However, Mr Pawar was withdrawn in the last minute following instructions from the party's state unit.

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