Political parties commence campaigning in Kodagu

The names of Pratap Simha from BJP and C H Vijayashankar from Congress are almost confirmed for the candidature in Lok Sabha elections in Kodagu-Mysuru constituency.

But even though the names are to be officially announced, both have started campaigning.

Both are familiar with the coffee land. Pratap Simha had chosen Sampaje, the border area of Kodagu, to flag off his campaign while C H Vijayshankar has begun a publicity campaign from Virajpet, in Southern Kodagu.

Kodagu has no separate Lok Sabha constituency and has been merged with Mysuru. There are three taluks and two Assembly constituencies in Kodagu and the campaigning will be difficult in this hot summer.

During the last 15 days, the mercury has soared, posing a challenge to the party leaders and workers.

Also, the candidates and party workers have to visit the hilly ranges in Sampaje, Kutta and Shanivarasanthe.

Votes earned in Kodagu district will be decisive for the candidates and therefore the candidates are eying on the votes of Kodavas.

The BJP is confident of its traditional vote bank and the district has been their stronghold so far.

The total number of voters in Kodagu district is 4,35,554. In Madikeri Assembly constituency, there are 1,07,509 male voters and 1,09,669 female voters. In Virajpet, there are 1,08,468 male voters and 1,08,585 female voters.

There are 1,298 service voters in the district and 7,080 fresh voters have enrolled this time.

SVEEP has organised various programmes to ensure a good voter turn out in Kodagu. The voters’ campaign will be held until March 27. Awareness jatha, tri-cycle rally, kite festival in Raja Seat by students and marathon from Raja Seat to MFC college have been held.

A candlelight jatha by senior citizens and physically challenged will be held at 6 pm on March 21. A workshop for booth level officers will be held at Old Fort Hall in Madikeri at 11 am on March 23. Taluk level workshops will be held in Somwarpet and Virajpet on March 25 and 26. An awareness programme on EVM and VVPAT machines will be held for Asha workers in Virajpet and Somwarpet, said SVEEP chairperson and Zilla Panchayat CEO K Lakshmi Priya.