Mysuru: K Harish Gowda, the rebel JD (S) candidate from Chamaraja constituency has completed 100 days of campaigning in the constituency and his popularity has been on the rise. But, the big question remains… will his popularity and familiarity with the constituency translate into actual votes?
In any case, his candidature has been the cause of the other candidates’ sleepless nights, including to the incumbent Congress MLA Vasu, JD(S) candidate KS Rangappa and BJP candidate Nagendra.
For the last ten years, Gowda was responsible for various programmes in the constituency and was the front runner for this time’s election ticket from the JD(S). Unfortunately, the ticket was given to KS Rangappa, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Mysore (UOM) and relative of former Prime Minister HD Devegowda.
Upset at having been denied the ticket to run as a candidate for the JD(S), Gowda turned rebel and decided to run anyway, kicking off his campaign in the month of December. His nearly five-month long campaign has made him more popular among the people of the Chamaraja constituency and has also gained the backing of other parties.
When reached for a comment about the progress of his campaign, Gowda told NewsKarnataka, “The response from the people has been overwhelming. I have been campaigning for the past four months and people have started to treat me like a family member.”
Asked why the people should cast their vote in his favour, he spoke about the good he had done for the people of his constituency including conducting mass marriages, free health check camps and job melas. “Whenever people needed me, I supported them. I had conducted all the programmes without any power or money from the government. If given the opportunity, I will keep my promises and dedicate myself to the people of my constituency,” he said.
As for his priorities for his constituency, he said that he would set up a centre in each ward to address the grievances of the people and make sure that action is taken promptly. He said that he would also make sure to visit the people in his constituency and that he would take their opinions about any project that is to be undertaken before proceeding with them.
