Mysuru: While Krishnaraja MLA S. A. Ramadas is riding high after receiving appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi couple of times, the constituency’s Brahmin Community is pitching in to field a new candidate. The three-time MLA Ramadas has good image in the Constituency, who also belongs to Brahmin Community. The Constituency also has more than 50 percent Brahmin voters. However, the Brahmin Community itself is opposing Ramadas’ candidature this time around.
Speaking to mediapersons here on Thursday February 23, the Mysuru City and District Brahmins’ Association President D. T. said that MLA Ramadas hardly responds to any problem in the Constituency, and hence they want a new face to represent them in the upcoming Assembly elections. Rumours are rife that Former Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Chairman H. V. Rajiv, who is also a Brahmin, is seeking a ticket from BJP to contest from Krishnaraja Constituency. Although Prakash did not take Rajiv’s name, he strongly batted for a new candidate. It is said that the community is ready to support Rajiv irrespective of whichever party gives him the ticket.
Candidates belonging to the Brahmin community have been winning the elections from here. In 1985, Vedanta Hemmige was elected on Janata Party. He was followed by K. N. Somasundaram (1989), and then S. A. Ramadas (1994, 1999 and 2008). In 2004, Congress’ M. K. Somashekhar had won.
The Constituency has 70,000 Brahmins, 39,500 Dalits, 30,000 Lingayats, 22,500 Vokkaligas, ans 17,000 Kurubas.
Among the Brahmins, Muguru Brahmins constitute 55,000 and the remaining are Babbur Kamme, Badaganadu Brahmin, Hoysala Karnataka, Smartha, Sanketi, Iyengar and Iyer. Overall Hindus constitute for 94 per cent, Muslims form 4 per cent and Christians are 0.8 per cent in the Constituency.
But, among the Brahmin Community, there are different voices. MLA Ramadas and MUDA Former Chairman HV Rajiv belong to Muguru Brahmin Community. Majority of the legislators who have won from Krishnaraja Constituency belong to this dominant Muguru Brahmin Community. It is said that Muguru Brahmin community is upset with MLA Ramadas and they want to support a new candidate. If their chorus grows stronger, it is sure to make a dent in MLA Ramadas’ prospectus in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Meanwhile, Congress’ ticket aspirant N. M..Naveen Kumar belongs to Iyer community and if given aticket, may pose a challenge for Ramadas.
