Bengaluru: In a major twist, the JDS is likely to field Mangaluru-based MLC, BM Farooq as its candidate from the Bengaluru North Lok Sabha constituency. He is expected to take on Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, another Mangaluru-based politician.

According to the Congress and JDS sources, a Vokkaliga seer told JDS supremo H D Devegowda that party should not field any Vokkaliga candidate against Sadananda Gowda. Under pressure, HDD decided against bringing B L Shankar back into the party.

Under pressure from the seer, the JDS is now planning to field any leader from the minority community, as they make up a huge chunk of the voters in this constituency.

“BM Farooq’s name is under consideration,” explained a senior JDS leader.