Is by-elections necessary?

With only six months left for the tenure of the CMC to end, and prevailing drought situation in the district, many have boycotted by-elections. But, the elections are being conducted in some of the wards as a few vested interests are adamant on conducting the polls.

While the government is expected to spend Rs 30 lakh to conduct the bypolls at 13 wards, every candidate from political parties are expected to spend at least Rs five lakh. In all, the expenses of the candidates of all parties and independents will be around Rs 1.95 crore.

With the expenses soaring from election to election, it is likely to cross the estimated figures.

As Mandya district is also suffering from drought and only six months left for the CMC, Kannada fora in Mandya has also opposed the polls.

Meanwhile, one voter each from 13 wards under the guidance of Congress leader T S Satyananda have approached the court, claiming the polls unnecessary at this juncture and urging it to cancel the elections.

Former MP G Madegowda too has said though elections are inevitable in democracy, the polls are not necessary at a time when the district was reeling under drought. This was supported by BJP district unit president H P Mahesh, JD(S) district unit president D Ramesh and Congress district unit president M S Atamanand also. They have claimed that their parties would not field candidates.

After all this, around 44 independent candidates contested in 13 wards. But, MLA M Srinivas, former MLC K T Srikantegowda, T S Satyanand, L Sandesh, K V Kumar and others convinced 25 candidates to withdraw from the polls.

Polls at six wards have been cancelled. Candidates were elected unanimously in two wards and polls are being held in only five wards.