The flamboyant liquor baron will file his nomination for the upper house today; may get elected unopposed, following pact with JD (S) and BJP
The flamboyant liquor baron will file his nomination for the upper house today; may get elected unopposed, following pact with JD (S) and BJP
ADVERTISEMENT
The flamboyant liquor baron will file his nomination for a seat in Rajya Sabha today and will perhaps get elected unopposed, following a pact with the JD (S) and the BJP.
It's believed that Mallya has struck a deal with the two major parties in the state, while the Congress is said to have decided on not fielding its candidate against him.
"We are fielding just one candidate. As we didn't forge an alliance with the JD (S), we don't have enough numbers to put another candidate in the fray," said a senior Congress leader.
u00a0
 |
| Congress is said to have decided on not fielding its candidate against Mallya for the Rajya Sabha polls that is scheduled for June 16. |
He added that if JD (S) supports Mallya and BJP decides not to oppose him, he'd surely get elected unimpeded.
The state has to send four members to Rajya Sabha and each candidate requires 46 votes to emerge victorious.
The BJP, with most number of MLAs is fielding three candidates, while the Congress is pitching just one.
u00a0
Whereas, the JD (S), with its 27 votes, can help only one candidate win and that too, with the support of either Congress or BJP.
Oye lucky
Earlier, Congress and JD (S) were to join hands to support the fourth candidate. However, it didn't happen as JD (S) chief HD Deve Gowda declared support to Kupendra Reddy, a real estate mogul.
Reddy had contested for the assembly polls on a Congress ticket but was defeated. When he approached Congress for a Rajya Sabha ticket, his request was turned down.
Also, the president of state Congress RV Deshpande approached Deve Gowda for a ticket, but it didn't materialise.u00a0
Though he's still trying, his chances of getting a ticket is remote. The BJP that wanted to field former law minister Ram Jethmalani from the state could do so as Jethmalani procured a ticket from Rajasthan.
Thus, the turn of events favoured the king of good times.
Impressive meet
According to sources, Mallya met Deve Gowda's son and former chief minister H D Kumaswamy at Kunigal, where the former has his stud farm, to strike a deal.
Mallya also pleased BJP leaders, including chief minister BS Yeddyurappa, with his active participation in the just-concluded Global Investors Meet.
Meanwhile, BJP will field Venkiah Naidu and Ayanur Manjunath, while Congress is fielding union minster Oscar Fernandes, who will be elected unopposed.
Despite repeated attempts, Mallya remained unavailable for comments.
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
