As the Udupi Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha constituency gears up for the upcoming elections, it finds itself entangled in a complex web of party affiliations, regional disparities, and caste dynamics, setting the stage for a closely contested battle between the Congress and the BJP. The delimitation process in 2008, which merged two diverse regions into one constituency, is now seen as a decision with far-reaching political, social, and demographic consequences.
The constituency is starkly divided into coastal and Malnad regions, each with its distinct cultural, economic, and political characteristics. While the coastal areas comprise four assembly segments, namely Kapu, Udupi, Karkala, and Kundapura, the hilly Malnad region consists of Sringeri, Mudigere, Tarikere, and Chikkamagaluru.
Political leaders from both Congress and BJP express concerns over the allocation of tickets, particularly regarding the choice of candidates from different districts within the constituency. The Congress, having won all seats in Chikkamagaluru district during the 2023 assembly elections, is puzzled by the selection of a candidate from the losing district of Udupi. Conversely, the BJP’s decision to field a candidate with limited influence in the Chikkamagaluru segments poses challenges, given the intricate caste dynamics at play.
The divide between Billava and Bunt communities in both regions further complicates the electoral landscape, with OBCs, Micro OBCs, minorities, and SC/ST communities emerging as decisive factors. Despite these complexities, the BJP enjoys an advantage with the enduring popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
As the election approaches, both parties grapple with internal dissensions and external challenges, making the Udupi Chikkamagaluru constituency a battleground of competing interests and identities.
