Daijiworld Media Network - Ballari (SP)

Ballari, Jun 1: Contrary to the recent prediction made by former state minister, Gali Janardhan Reddy's close confidante, B Sriramulu, that the mining baron will not enter politics, sources claim that Reddy is all set to enter electoral politics afresh through the state assembly elections scheduled to be held next year. It is almost certain that he will fight with BJP ticket.

Reddy, who is mired in various cases relating to illegal iron ore mining, had succeeded in getting conditional bail after remaining inside jail for long. One of the bail conditions was that he should not visit Ballari. However, he came here on Wednesday for celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary, after getting clearance for the visit from Supreme Court.

Janardhan Reddy with Yeddyurappa and Sriramulu

A large number of friends, politicians and well-wishers met Reddy during his visit to his city. Many of them, who were worried over Reddy's decision not to enter politics, insisted that he should think over and backtrack from this decision. It is said that Janardhan Reddy has expressed his readiness to review his decision to retire from politics if the leadership of BJP gives him the go ahead signal.

Some BJP leaders too, who want to encash on Reddy's eminence and popularity apart from his capacity to fund the election, it is said, assured Reddy that cases he has been facing would not pose any obstacle for his political ambitions, citing that a number of veteran politicians have been facing such cases since long.

Reddy, who was in political hibernation till he hogged limelight on account of ostentatious marriage of his daughter conducted sometime back at Bengaluru, had after a long gap, expressed his intention to come back to politics when talking at Gadag on May 10 this year. On that occasion, he had stated that his differences with Yeddyurappa had been sorted out. Later, he said on May 22 that he was ready to accept any responsibility that may be entrusted to him by BJP, adding that he was prepared to remain a loyal activist of the party without any position. It may be recalled at the Reddy community convention held at Yadgir sometime back, Reddy had pledged to remain with BJP at any cost.

Speculation about his choice of constituency has begun after Reddy's intention to take part in election process was made known. Many feel that the constituencies which might prove to be favourable for him would be Ballari, Raichur, K R Puram, Bengaluru, Gadag, and Chikkaballapur. However, there are some who believe that Reddy's priority would be to come back to politics in the form of MLC. His future plans will however depend on the decision the national leadership of BJP may take because of its 'scam-free governance' claims and also taking cue from the debacle the state BJP had faced in the last hustings because of BJP's sullied image due to illegal mining scams unearthed by the Lokayukta.