MBA, MA grads to slug it out in Kudur

For JD(S), politics is science and for Cong, management is mantra

The Congress and the JD(S) have fielded well-educated candidates in Kudur, which is reserved for women. Bhavya Umesh (26) of the Congress is an MBA graduate, while JD(S) candidate B V Hamsakumari (30) is a post graduate in Political Science.

A native of Bangalore, Bhavya completed her MBA in Gupta College in Banashankari III Stage. She worked as a HR Counsellor at SAPTree Technologies till recently. Hamsakumari too is a native of Bangalore and completed her PG from Mysore University.

What has spiced up the contest between them is that both belong to the dominant Vokkaliga community in the area and they both have political background. Bhavya’s husband is the president of Nelamangala Block Congress, while Hamsakumari is a two-time Madegondanahalli gram panchayat member. Besides, Hamsakumari’s father is a former ZP member from Kudur.

Their weighty profiles have made it tough for people to chose between an MBA grad and a master in political science. People both in and out of this constituency have begun betting on the results. The BJP too has filed a candidate, but the party does not have much hold in the constituency.

Putting her management ‘gyan’ to use, Bhavya says: “I can serve people better by using my knowledge and experience in corporate sector. I can ensure that the constituency gets maximum benefit in terms of development by making proper use of the available funds.”

Not to be left behind, Hamsakumari made a pitch about her “deep knowledge of public administration”, adding: “I also have huge experience working as a gram panchayat member. I will be able to effectively work in addressing people’s problems and make the constituency a model one.”

Bars do brisk biz

Gone are the days when political parties distributed liquor to woo voters by smuggling it from outside. Now, candidates take people in groups to local bars. The bills are cleared after the polls.

Many bars in Magadi taluk are doing brisk business as a result. It is said candidates of all three political parties are “spiriting away” the voters in Magadi taluk.