Bengaluru: With the idea of giving a tough fight to the ruling BJP in the by-election of 15 assembly constituencies, the Congress has decided to lure opposition party leaders in five constituencies. 

“These five constituencies include Mahalakshmi layout, Yesvantpura, Yallapura, Hosakote and the Hirekerur. In these five constituencies, the party is searching for strong contenders from the BJP or the JDS,” explained a Congress leader.

“In all the 15 constituencies, the BJP original leaders are against giving a ticket to the disqualified MLAs or their relatives. In Vokkaliga belt (Mahalakshmi layout, Yesvantpur and KR Pet), JDS leaders are fearing about the party’s future. So we are looking for the exodus,” he explained.

Siddaramaiah to lead the charge: According to the party sources, former CM Siddaramaiah will lead the party in the by-election. “He is the only leader who has pan Karnataka popularity. So party high command has asked him to lead,” he concluded.