Bangalore: Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa has agreed to campaign for the BJP nominee from Bellary Assembly seat where bypoll is slated for November 30.
"Yeddyurappa has agreed to campaign in Bellary bypoll.
Myself and other leaders will undertake electioneering for
four days from November 22," Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda
told reporters here.
The former chief minister had earlier said he would not
campaign for the party candidate from the seat, citing
personal preoccupations.
Former party leader B Sreeramulu is seeking re-election
from the seat as an Independent.
Gowda 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
compaigned. 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 reviewing 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.
PTI
First Published: Friday, November 18, 2011, 00:44