St Joseph’s College of Arts and Sciences, Bangalore, and People Studies, Loyola College, Chennai, undertook a state-wide study to provide a forum for the people to express their concerns and opinions, and to map the varied perceptions of the people regarding the current socio-political scenario of the state.

As per the survey report, 40 % of those interviewed preferred BJP, followed by Congress (25.8 %) and the JD-S (10.7 %). However, a substantial 22 % of those interviewed were undecided.

The study was conducted between January 11 and 20 in 24 districts employing convenience sampling technique. In all, a total of 2,580 persons (around 40% urban and 60% rural) were interviewed.

BSY tops
Mr Yediyurappa with (45.1 %) topped when it came to ranking leaders based on their competence and chances of becoming the next chief minister. JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy stood second with 25.8 %, S M Krishna (13.1 %), Dharam Singh (9.7 %) and Siddaramaiah (3.7 %). Most of the respondents (62 %) felt that a single party with its own majority is likely to form the next government; 25 per cent felt there was no alternative but for a coalition government and 13 per cent felt it would be single party with external support.

At the state level, the top-most important issue turned out to be unemployment (46 %). Other important issues include: corruption at all levels - 14.3%, no support to agriculture - 12.0%, price rise - 10.8%,  and water dispute with Tamil Nadu - 4.2%.

PARTIES WOO JD(U)
Bangalore, DHNS: After getting several JD(S) leaders under its belt, the BJP is now after the JD(U).

According to BJP sources, senior JD(U) leader and MLC Basavaraj Bommai has been contacted by party leaders including National President Rajnath Singh during the few weeks. “He is a very efficient leader and we have had some meetings with him. He has shown an inclination to join the BJP”, the sources said.

However, Bommai, a three-time MLC and son of former chief minister S R Bommai, said he would take a final decision after consulting his associates and friends. The sources added that the Congress had also approached Bommai.