Sitting BJP MLA impresses all withdevelopment, solving pressing issues

A reserved constituency until the 2008 delimitation, Yelahanka remained a Congress bastion, with the grand old party carrying it for seven consecutive terms.

But the voting pattern changed after the constituency became a general seat in 2008.

BJP candidate S R Vishwanath, then a political lightweight, has been holding the seat for two terms. But his rival Hanumanthe Gowda of the JD(S) is determined to carry the seat this time.

The Congress, on the other hand, has fielded Gopala Krishna M N, said to be close to Chikkabalapur Member of the Lok Sabha M Veerappa Moily. Yelahanka falls under the LS constituency.

With 3.73 lakh voters, Yelahanka is among the smaller constituencies in Bengaluru and a hotchpotch of rural and urban neighbourhoods. Some of its localities also come under the Peenya industrial area.

Amid the 200 villages are also some of the well-developed areas like Yelahanka New Town and Judicial Layout. The constituency is also home to Wheel and Axel plant, textile parks and industrial areas.

Proximity to the Kempegowda International Airport has made this constituency one of the fastest growing, with real-estate on demand and several new layouts under construction.

Though it is dominated by Vokkaligas and Reddys, it also has a considerable chunk of minorities and migrants from the north and east of the country. While Vishwanath appears to enjoy the confidence of the voters, the JD(S) is prepared to go to any extent to scupper his re-election.

The incumbent gets a big thumbs-up from Triveni S, a resident of Judicial Layout, who said he has developed the parks, installed free a gymnasium in the parks, developed the lakes and roads, besides raising a building for women’s empowerment.

“He has rejuvenated the Allalasandra Lake and held yoga and lake festivals. He’s easily reachable. Despite being in the Opposition, he has done good work for the past 10 years,”  Triveni said.

Controversies

The incumbent, however, is not without his share of controversies. He was linked to the attempt to murder case of Kadabagere Seena, who was shot at in a daring attack on the National Highway 7 on the outskirts of Yelahanka. Vishwanath is also fighting anti-incumbency.

Congress’ Gopala Krishna said basic amenities have been lacking, while corruption is widespread with the encroachment of government land.

JD(S)’ Hanumanthe Gowda said poor people have been neglected in the constituency.