
The Janata Dal (Secular) Party on Tuesday decided to support the Congress after withdrawing its candidate Kalegowda from the Jayanagar assembly constituency that is slated to be held on June 11.
In Jayanagar, the Congress had fielded Soumya Reddy, daughter of Ramalinga Reddy, former Home Minister and BTM Layout MLA. The JD(S) had fielded greenhorn Kale Gowda. The constituency has over 2.03 lakh voters, and 19 candidates. BJP has held the seat since delimitation in 2008.
JD(S) has issued press release stating that all workers will support and campaign for Congress candidate.
Election in Jayanagar had been deferred owing to the death of BJP candidate BN Vijaya Kumar. The BJP has nominated his brother B.N. Prahlad.
Jayanagar election was postponed along with Rajarajeshwari Nagar (RR Nagar) where several voter ID card scandal led to a police case and a massive upheaval just days ahead of the May 12 elections.
Congress and JD(S) had fought the RR Nagar bypoll against each other despite being coalition partners, as they failed to come to a consensus on supporting one of their candidates.
The withdrawal by the JD(S) comes as a testimony to the growing awareness of the strength of a united Opposition.