JOIN USWhile it is a question of prestige for the BJP to maintain stronghold on Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency, it’s strong bastion since 1991, the Congress has left no stone unturned for the victory of veteran leader B Janardhan Poojary.
However, Thursday belonged to the voter and he has done his work by exercising his franchise.
In Bantwal, Puttur and Sullia taluks, it seemed it was a neck-to-neck fight between the image of Janardhan Poojary and ‘Modi wave’ than Nalin. Though 12 more candidates are in fray, for most of the voters, the real fight was between these two.
Interestingly, though young minds were rolling around ‘Modi wave’, the senior citizens who were traditional followers of the Congress party were not affected by any wave.
Thimma Naika a resident of Kudmaru, in his 90s, who has been casting vote since last 60 years said: “Nammo Kai Barodatta” (Our ‘hand’ should come). His son Taniappa Naika, visibly a BJP supporter said that he has no problem with his father’s decision and he had no doubt about BJP’s victory. Taniappa was happy because he exercised his franchise for the first time. He served Indian Army for 21 years.
Monappa, an ex-railway serviceman from Kodmaru was more serious about the things happening in past six months under Congress rule in State, in and around his village.
“Locals leaders are indulged in money making and lost people’s faith. The government is failed to maintain law and order. In last few months, 24 girls are missing. Cattle lifters dare to loot cattle from sheds. The police are filing cases on Hindu youth,” he complained and said that youth would support BJP this time.
Sullia is knowingly a stronghold of BJP and the trend seems to continue this time as well. In Padpinangadi which is known for turn out, people were enthusiastic to cast their vote.
Though the area is bit sensitive, Gafoor, a Congress worker said: “Though our ideologies are different with BJP, we are united here. After our work, we go together for a tea,” he said. Karnataka State Reserved Police (KSRP) personnel were put on service in Harihara, Balekudru and Kolla Mugra, the Naxal-affected areas of the taluk.
In Vittal town of Bantwal taluk, CCTV cameras were fixed to have an eye at illegal transportation from Kerala. Meanwhile, in most of the places polling officials were happy about the facilities.