Five former Karnataka CMs in fray for LS polls

Sadananda Gowda managed to secure the ticket for Bangalore North, for which there was another powerful contender former Minister R Ashok, 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. JDS had initially toyed with the idea of fielding his wife Anitha Kumaraswamy. Kumaraswamy is yet to take the final call.

The BJP has fielded senior state leader B N Bachche Gowda for this seat. Moily had served as Karnataka Chief Minister from 1992 to 1994.

Sadananda Gowda may also face a tough challenge in Bangalore North as the local BJP leaders were against his candidature since he hailed from state's coastal belt. 

Gowda, who succeeded Yeddyurappa as Chief Minister surviving only for a short term before making way for Jagadish Shettar, is striving to get into the thick of national politics once again.