Two farmers' leaders and their electoral fortunes

Kisan Krishnappa won with 329 votes, Sonnegowda secured only 185 votes

Of the total 156 contestants in the Chikkaballapur CMC, there were two farmers’ leaders who had plunged into politics this time, while one won the test, the other failed. Both had contested from JD(S).

Popularly known as ‘Kisan’ Krishnappa, had contested from the Ward no 28 and he won 329 votes while another farmers’ leader N Sonnegowda from Ward no 2 could garner only 185 wards.

Both are deeply rooted in their villagers and have been active in farmers’ movements. Since many decades, both ‘Kisan’ Krishnappa and Sonnegowda have been responsible in organising various movements that addressed farmers’ causes in the district.

‘Kisan’ Krishnappa, a native of Gundlukurki village in the taluk, is a BBM graduate and Sonngegowda from Yaluvahalli is a BSc graduate.

He has even earned a diploma in sericulture. Both of them are a familiar face in JD(S).

Plunge into politics

“While studying in my first year degree I joined the then Janata Dal party and I was made the president of Kisan Sangha, subsidiary organisation of Janata Party.

“Henceforth, ‘Kisan’ was prefixed to my name. I learnt the naunces of the movement under K B Pillappa and have been active in farmers’ movement since the last four decades in Ward no 28,” said ‘Kisan’ Krishnappa.

“People have come to believe in me and my works. So they have voted for me. I’m very grateful to them.

“I am confident of developing the ward in every sphere,” he added.

However, the decision to contest in the elections was completely unexpected, says sonnegowda.

“On the last day of submitting nomination papers, I was given the B form at around 2.30 pm and I submitted my nomination. Though, I worked hard, I was voted only 185 votes,” he said.