K'taka bypolls: Our aim is to make sure disqualified MLAs lose, says Siddu

Mysuru: Leader of opposition and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that Congress is not worried about whom JDS will support.

Addressing presspersons here Siddaramiah said, “Our agenda is to make sure that all the disqualified MLAs lose the election. Whether JD(S) supports BJP or not, is not the issue to talk about at this point of time.”

He further added, “They have to win at least 8 seats to touch 113 which is the majority number. 105+8 they have to win, to save the government.”

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court upheld K R Ramesh Kumar’s decision to disqualify 17 rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs under the anti-defection law and said that they can contest the upcoming by-elections in the state.

Assembly by-polls to the 15 assembly seats in Karnataka are scheduled to be held on December 5 from 7 am to 6 pm.

The by-elections would take place in Athani, Kagwad, Gokak, Yellapura, KR Pura, Yashwanthapura, Hirekerur, Ranebennur, Vijayanagara, Chikkaballapura, Hoskote, Mahalakshmi Layout, Shivajinagar, KR Pete and Hunsuru.

According to the Election Commission, the last date for filing nomination was November 18. The date of scrutiny of nominations was November 19 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidates is November 21.

The counting of votes would take place on December 9.