JOIN USA socialist, an activist and a litigant in the fray
With the candidates appealing to their varied emotions - hatred, sympathy and appreciation, it will be difficult to say which side the voters will sway. More than manifestoes of the parties they are affiliated, the candidates’ reputation will be decisive.
The candidates in fray for the ZP reserved for general category are: D V Harish (Congress), D L Nagaraj (BJP), R Dayanand (JD-S) and V Geetha (CPM).
Seeking sympathy
Among them Harish, a contractor, is the son Doddappaiah, who was killed in a group clash five years ago.
His rival is Nagaraj, a suspect in the murder of Doddappaiah and the case is pending before the court.
Harish is bent on the sympathy wave while agriculturist Nagaraj is campaigning with invincible confidence.
Activists’ work
Socialist leader Lohia’s follower Dayanand, and member of the Janawadi women’s organisation, Geetha, are playing the ‘clean image’ card.
Apart from her popularity as an activist herself, who has been leading various agitations, Geetha has edge over other candidates for being the only woman contesting the elections.
Geetha, who has traversed the entire district during one or the other agitations, has put to test her acclaimed oratory skills. She may or may not impress the voters, but the JD(S) and Congress have been shaken on learning about her filing nominations.
The parties even tried to strike a pre-poll tie-up and cajole her to withdraw her papers, it is learnt.
Apart from the enthusiasm and jittery to cast their vote for the first time using the electronic voting machine, Huttur voters have to think twice before making their choice.