Seeking to ensure unanimous election of Karnataka chief minister Sadananda Gowda in the December 22 Legislative Council byelection, his predecessor B.S. Yeddyurappa on Sunday said he had requested leaders of JD-S and Congress not to field their candidates in the poll.
“I have called up JD-S supremo Deve Gowda, state PCC chief G. Parameshwar and Opposition leader in the Assembly Siddaramaiah, requesting them not to field their candidates and elect Sadananda Gowda unanimously to the Upper House,” he told reporters after visiting the Kodi Mutt here.
He, however, refused to divulge what the reactions of these leaders were to his request.
Mr Siddaramaiah reportedly told Yeddyurappa the Congress high command will take decision on the matter and he will abide by it.
Mr Yeddyurappa’s request came amidst speculation that BJP rebel leader B. Sreeramulu, who has claimed he has 22 legislators with him, will join hands with Congress and JD-S to defeat his close aide.
Mr Sadananda Gowda, sworn in as chief minister in August, is a Lok Sabha member and has to get elected to the state legislature within six months to fulfil a Constitutional requirement.