BANGALORE — The southern state of Karnataka is all set to witness a battle of equals in the upcoming general elections with five former chief ministers in the fray and indications that a sixth may soon join the race. Union Minister M. Veerappa Moily and N. Dharam Singh (Congress), B.S. Yeddyurappa and D.D.V. Sadananda Gowda (BJP) and former prime minister and JD (S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda are the main contenders in their constituencies. Gowda's son H.D. Kumarswamy, who had headed the JD (S)-BJP coalition government in Karnataka for a little over 20 months till Oct. 2007 and also a former Lok Sabha member, has indicated he may also throw in his hat in the ring after consulting party workers. Warhorses Dharam Singh, Yeddyurappa and Deve Gowda appear to be on a strong turf in their respective constituencies while Moily and Sadanada Gowda may face a tough battle in Chikkaballapura and Bangalore North constituencies, respectively. Moily is seeking re-election while Sadananda Gowda, also a former MP from Udupi-Chikkamagalur earlier, is now trying his luck from Bangalore North, held by his party. Sadananda Gowda managed to secure the ticket for Bangalore North, for which there was another powerful contender former Minister R. Ashoka, who, however, pulled out of the race opting to remain in state politics. Kumaraswamy may also enter the fray from Chikkaballapura to take on Moily. JD (S) had initially toyed with the idea of fielding his wife Anitha Kumaraswamy. Kumaraswamy is yet to take the final call.
