Mysuru: It is now confirmed that former Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University Prof. K.S. Rangappa will take a plunge into politics. According to JD(S) sources, his name has been finalised to contest as an MLA from Chamaraja Assembly Constituency for the elections to be held next year and JD(S) Supremo H.D. Deve Gowda has cleared his name. Sources said that Rangappa has been sounded by party leaders to prepare for the electoral battle and enable JD(S) to come to power with its own strength. Rangappa’s term as VC ended on Jan. 10 and at that time, he had announced that he will not be entering politics. In a change of stance, Rangappa now has decided not to limit his contributions to academics but also enter active public life.

And as a prelude to entering politics, Rangappa performed puja at Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple yesterday along with JD(S) leaders Mayor M.J. Ravikumar, former Mayor R. Lingappa and other leaders. After the puja rituals, Rangappa participated in a sapling planting programme opposite Saraswathipuram Fire Brigade Station.

Speaking to SOM on his new innings, Prof. Rangappa said that as directed by Deve Gowda, he will meet his old associates, friends and well-wishers to seek their support. “I will meet party workers, JD(S) leaders, members in local bodies, Zilla and Taluk Panchayat members and seek their support and understand ground-level politics,” he said and added that he will remain active in public life and will try his best to serve the people. With his name figuring in the JD(S) list, it remains to be seen how the hard-core academician will get a make-over as a politician.