Advertisement
It is gathered that, while the venue was meant for at least 5,000 people, Gowda addressed a gathering of just 1,000 and the rest were empty chairs. Sources said the convention failed to attract people from the community because of former chief minister Siddaramaiah.
“The community leadership has passed a resolution to defeat Deve Gowda as he had snubbed Siddaramaiah politically on many occasions, especially during the last Assembly elections in Chamundeshwari,” said a backward class leader.
The Kurubas are, however, the deciding factor in some of the assembly constituencies of old Mysuru region and their support could make all the difference to Deve Gowda’s chances in Tumakuru as well, informed sources.