Expectations ride high on Ramya's re-entry

 The new MP for Mandya Lok Sabha constituency will be declared this afternoon, and the main contenders, their supporters and voters are keeping their fingers crossed hoping for a positive outcomes.

The constituency was in the limelight as the Congress had fielded sitting MP and actor Ramya. Her presence added a glamour quotient to the segment. The constituency was also in news due to the absence of another ‘star’ politician Ambarish, the District in-charge Minister, due to his illness.

In the beginning, since the election notification was issued, expectations were high on Ramya as she had stormed the JD(S) bastion in the by-election, held just a few months ago. But, later, rumours spread that the supporters of Ambarish were working against Ramya, due to various political and personal considerations.

Expectations are also high on JD(S) nominee C S Puttaraju as factionism, which was rampant during the last by-election, was absent this time. It would be a miracle if BJP candidate B Shivalingaiah wins. So far, the BJP has won neither an Assembly nor a Lok Sabha election in the constituency. It has to be seen if the Modi wave has had any effect in the constituency.

The constituency recorded 71.42 per cent polling this time, and 11,91,708 voters exercised their franchise. In the by-election, only 9,42,453 voters had cast their votes. So, the decision of the additional 2,49,255 voters becomes crucial now.

Counting  process will begin at 8 pm and is expected to conclude by afternoon.