Bangalore, Nov 18: The ruling BJP has heaved a sigh of relief after former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa assured to campaign for the party nominee in the November 30 bye-election for the Bellary Rural seat, from which its former leader B Sreeramulu is seeking re-election as an Independent.
“Yeddyurappa has agreed to campaign in Bellary bypoll. Myself and other leaders will undertake electioneering for four days from November 22,” Gowda told reporters here. He said the party would direct all its efforts to ensure the victory of BJP nominee Gadilingappa.
“Under whose leadership the bypoll will be fought is not an issue for debate. It will be under the banner of BJP,” he said.
Gowda sidestepped a query on why the party has not initiated action against some of its legislators who have thrown their lot behind Sreeramulu, saying, “so far nobody has compained. But will take action if we receive such complaints”.
Meanwhile, the electoral authorities have decided to deploy siezeable contingents of para military forces to provide security cover for the bypoll.
BSF and Indo Tibetan Border Security Force would be on duty in the poll-bound areas from November 24, Karnataka Joint Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Arya told reporters in Bellary after reviwing the election arrangements there.
The authorities have set up eight check posts and 18 teams are keeping vigil on whether the model code of conduct is being adhered to, he said.
