JD(S) likely to replace BM Farooque in Council

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: J D(S) MLC BM Farooque whose term will expire on June 17 won’t be nominated, it has been learned. The regional outfit is likely to nominate TN Javarayi Gowda in his place.

Gowda had contested from the Yeshwantpur Assembly seat thrice and lost. Farooque is lobbying with JD(S) patriarch HD Devegowda to retain his MLC berth. However, party president Kumaraswamy favours Gowda.

As many as 12 Council seats will fall vacant on June 17 and 11 are elected directly by MLAs. JD(S) with 19 MLAs is in a position to elect one MLC. Allies BJP with their 66 MLAs is capable of electing three MLCs.

The Congress with 134 MLAs in addition to three “friendly” MLAs will be able to send eight representatives to the Upper House.

The 75-member Council has 29 Congress MLCs.Meanwhile BJP has 32 members and JD(S) has seven, giving the allies 39-members. There are only 70 MLCs in the 75-member Coun - cil.