Mysuru: As the poll for member of State Legislative Council nearing all the three major political parties and Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) Campaign has gathered steam.
The constituency consists Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagara and Hassan Districts with voters’ number exceeding 1.33 lakhs. According to sources more than 50 per cent of the voters are government employees. The Congress party has fielded G. Madhu Made Gowda, son of a veteran Congress leader G. Made Gowda of Mandya. The BJP has fielded M. V. Ravi Shankara, a native of Mysuru. JD (S) has fielded H. K. Ramu, a native of Mandya while KRRS has fielded Prasanna Gowda.
All the four candidates visiting voters are explaining highlighting the achievements and good works done during their regime. KRRS candidate were seen appealing voters to support him as KRRS safeguarding interests of farmers.
During last MLC elections the constituency recorded average 43 per cent polling. Mandya District recorded 50 per cent polling, Chamarajanagara recorded 55 per cent, Hassan recorded 39 per cent and Mysuru Rural District recorded 39 per cent and Mysuru Urban recorded 32 per cent of polling. This time candidates are expecting polling of 50 per cent. This year 10,000 young voters have been included.
Accusations and counter accusations about violation of poll code of conduct between Congress and BJPi are being witnessed in Mandya. State Higher Education Minister Dr. Ashwath Narayan was booked for violation of election code of conduct.
JD (S) and BJP facing have been facing dissidence in party. JD (S) MLC Mari Tibbe Gowda has instructed his followers not to support JDS candidate H. K. Ramu. He has openly waged war against party High Command for issuing ticket to Ramu. In BJP, Mandya Leader N. S. Vinay filed nomination papers as independent candidate. This would dent the votes of party official candidate M. V . Ravi Shankar. The dissident candidate is even campaining in four districts. This would definitely be a setback for BJP.
