Madikeri: Sidelined in Janata Dal (Secular), veteran leader M C Nanaiah is likely to join Congress in the next few days, according to his supporters.

Confirming his political aspirations, former state law Minister M C Nanaiah declined to name the party he intends to join but hinted at quitting JDS after being sidelined for a very long time. He is aggrieved over JDS not considering his political viewpoints, expertise and sidelining his supporters in the party organisation. He had stayed away from political activities for some time.

Few days ago, a fight erupted between his supporters and those of B A Jeevijiya, another prominent leader from Madikeri region and a close confidante of state JDS chief H D Kumaraswamy. The group supporting Jeevijaya had accused Nanaiah of posing obstacles to the party’s future prospects in the district and demanded his ouster. Soon after that both leaders fell apart and they did not share the stage at JDS political meetings. With state JDS President HDK backing B A Jeevijaya firmly, the future of M C Nanaiah in the party looks bleak and hence he had made up his mind to switch-over, confirmed his supporters.

In a swift development, M C Nanaiah’s supporters convened a meeting on January 8 to decide upon the future course of action. Most favour his entry into Congress and if all goes well, he will be doing so soon.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely meet the beleaguered Kodava leader during his visit to the district today to attend a massive party convention “Sadhana Samavesha” and make way for induction into the Congress party fold.

Reacting on the developments, former law minister M C Nanaiah however said he had no plans yet to quit the party. “I am definitely disillusioned by the developments in JDS where new faces get prominence at the cost of loyal workers. Some of my supporters have been sidelined and those with criminal background are being preferred. Secular forces have to stay united and I will abide by the decision of my supporters,” he expressed.