Namesakes in fray confuse voters

The popular saying ‘What’s there in the name’ may have to have its true testament in the upcoming Assembly elections in Chikkaballabur district. For, there are many namesakes contesting the election from the five Assembly constituencies in the district.

This has turned out to be a big headache for the voters as they have to choose their leaders who share their names with other candidates and also to the polling staff to provide them appropriate symbols and numbers.

In Bagepalli, there are two candidates with the same name S N Subbareddy and three candidates by name Subbireddy. One of the Subbareddys has declared assets worth Rs 80 crore.

Since all these candidates’ names are almost identical, it would be difficult for the voters to choose their favourite. They may have to identify the candidates on the symbols or their names.

In Chikkaballapur, sitting MLA K P Bachegowda is the JD(S) candidate.

Howerver, there is Bachegowda and D A Bachegowda contesting as Independents. Congress candidate Dr K Sudhakar has an opponent in B R Sudhakar Reddy.

In Chintamani, G K Krishna Reddy is the JD(S) candidate and there is another by the same name contesting as the Independent. Legislator M C Sudhakar is seeking re-election as Independent candidate but there are T S Sudhakar Reddy and V Hari Sudhakar also contesting as the Independent candidates.

Sitting legislator N H Shivashankar Reddy is is contesting against Independent candidate N H Shivashankar Reddy in Gauribidanur constituency. Congress legislator V Muniyappa who is contesting again this time on a Congress ticket will have to face another V Muniyappa in Shidlaghatta. Besides, JD(S) candidate M Rajanna and there is another M Rajanna contesting as Independent candidate.

“Candidates with similar names contesting the election has not only made the polls here interesting but also created confusion among the voters. People should know the candidate’s serial number and their symbol.

A few of the voters are illiterates and they would find it difficult to make a choice,” said a candidate.