Forthcoming assembly elections: K.G. Bopaiah looking to shift to Madikeri Constituency?

Madikeri:  With the Assembly polls just a few months away, hectic political activities have begun in all the three major political parties in Kodagu district. In the changed political scenario, former Speaker and sitting Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah is said to be planing to change base to neighbouring Madikeri constituency for the 2018 Assembly polls. Bopaiah, who is from Arebhashegowda community, is mulling on contesting from Madikeri constituency as Virajpet segment, which he currently represents, has Kodava community in dominance. As the Congress is planning to give ticket to Veena Achaiah, who is from Kodava Community, Bopaiah seems to be reluctant to contest again from Virajpet as there is a likelihood of majority of Kodavas voting for probable Congress candidate Veena Achaiah. In another interesting development, the Sangh Parivar is said to be unhappy with current Madikeri MLA and former Minister Appachu Ranjan. The Sangh Parivar is said to be upset with Appachu Ranjan as he failed to take up development works on expected lines. The Parivar leaders are also said to have complained to BJP National President Amit Shah about Ranjan’s failure to develop the constituency. Even as uncertainty persists about Appachu Ranjan getting the party ticket, with Sangh Parivar leaders revolting against him, the MLA’s next move is being closely observed in political circles of the district. If Ranjan is denied the party ticket, then who will get the party ticket is the question that has been haunting the minds of BJP leaders of the district, it is learnt.