Poll Watch: As D-day Approaches, Here’s a Look at Five Heavyweight Election Battles Fought in Karnataka
Mangaluru: The 2019 Lok Sabha election has been a lengthy and laborious democratic process that has exhausted even the common spectator. However, regardless of the fact that the average Indian is completely worn out, tomorrow’s an event that will make sure that he/she pays close attention their television screens and keep their eyes glued to their mobile phones. May 23rd, 2019 will be the culmination of what is regarded to be the world’s largest exercise in democracy. If one thing is certain for tomorrow, it is the chaos and confusion that is the nation’s staple in Indian politics. Apart from the close contest between Dakshina Kannada’s incumbent MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and youth icon Mithun Rai, here’s a brief summary of five other fierce political battles in Karnataka that you might want to watch closely:
DV Sadananda Gowda versus Krishna Byre Gowda
The Bengaluru – North Lok Sabha Constituency which went to polls on April 18th has witnessed a close political contest between Former Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda and current state government minister Krishna Byre Gowda. This particular constituency of the capital city was subject to a controversy when the JDS party returned the seat to the Congress just days before the candidate nomination deadline. The Congress party quickly scrambled to nominate a candidate and finally chose Byre Gowda who has himself admitted that he was initially reluctant to contest the Lok Sabha elections. On the other hand, Union Minister Sadanand Gowda has faced flak from several North Bengaluru residents for being absent from public view over the last few years and has been an inaccessible MP.
Prakash Raj versus Rizwan Arshad versus PC Mohan
The Central Bengaluru constituency has been subjected to a political triangle of candidates from the sitting BJP MP PC Mohan to Congress’s Rizwan Arshad to actor-turned-politician Prakash Raj, who is contesting as an independent. This contest was all about ideology and promises as each candidate fought hard to promote their respective manifestos. Things took a nasty turn in the middle of the election campaign season when Prakash Raj accused his Congress opponent of spreading misinformation. No matter what the controversy, the only certainty coming from this constituency is that anyone can be the winner.
Tejasvi Surya versus BK Hariprasad
In South Bengaluru’s high profile seat, it is a direct competition between firebrand Tejasvi Surya and seasoned politician B K Hariprasad. The BJP’s Surya was quick to grab the attention of mainstream media for being the youngest candidate in the entire election. However, many of his critics have pointed out that he is a mere poster boy for the RSS and lacks any sense of originality or experience. Meanwhile, his opponent – the Congress’s B K Hariprasad hails from the Billawa community and sought to highlight his two decades of experience in politics. Will he be able to successfully turn the situation around from what the BJP has always considered being a “safe seat”?
Mallikarjun Kharge versus Umesh Jadhav
Congress veteran Mallikarjun Kharge is hoping for a hat-trick in the Gulbarga Lok Sabha seat in Karnataka. The nine-time MLA and two-term Lok Sabha member is up against Umesh Jadhav, who joined the BJP just last month. The former Congress MLA had reportedly quit in a huff due to the alleged dominance of Kharge in the party and the region. Jadhav furthermore was against Kharge’s son Priyank getting ministerial berth ahead of several senior Congress leaders, including himself. Will the former Leader of Opposition be able to hang onto his seat?
Madhu Bangarappa versus Raghavendra
While the whole state is engrossed in the battle for Mandya, the Shimoga Lok Sabha contest also promises to be just as interesting as the two sons of former Chief Ministers have locked horns here. Madhu Bangarappa came into the election contest with a slight disadvantage after losing the Byndoor by-elections. However, the JDS candidate has demonstrated his might by commanding the support of senior leaders from the Congress and JDS. However, his opponent, B S Raghavendra has also faced some criticism in relation to his father – former CM Yeddyurappa. After the high voltage battle between the two candidates, it is time now to see who will ultimately triumph.
