Chamaraja may witness triangular fight

Chamaraja Assembly constituency in Mysuru is likely to see a triangular fight between the Congress, the JD(S) and the BJP. The poll battle is likely to interesting turn with Harish Gowda, who was the JD(S) city president, entering the fray as a rebel candidate.

With just 22 days left for the elections, the poll fever has gripped the district and the constituency, with parties getting into action mode. The candidates have been meeting the people, seeking their support.

The Congress party has fielded sitting MLA Vasu, though Mysuru Urban Development Authority Chairman D Dhruvakumar had also sought the party ticket.

Vasu, who filed his nomination papers on Thursday, is confident that the people will give their mandate in favour of the Congress, considering the development of the constituency. Vasu has been explaining that he is contesting for the fourth time. While he lost the elections twice, he won the last elections against H S Shankaralingegowda, who contested from the JD(S). “I am confident that people will bless me this time also,” he said.

The JD(S) has nominated former Vice-Chancellor of University of Mysore and Karnataka State Open University K S Rangappa as its candidate, in advance, sending a clear message to Harish Gowda, who was confident of getting the ticket. Upset over the party's decision, Harish Gowda is entering the fray as an Independent.

While Rangappa is leaving no stone unturned to win the seat, meeting party workers and touring the constituency, with the slogan ‘Ellarigagi Kumaranna’, Harish is meeting booth level party workers and has started door-to-door canvassing. Interestingly, his pamphlets have the pictures of Deve Gowda, Kumaraswamy, Revanna and other JD(S) leaders and their achievements, leaving the people, a little confused.

BJP candidate

Though the BJP is yet to announce its candidate, former MUDA chairman L Nagendra and party’s city president Dr B H Manjunath has been distributing pamphlets showcasing their achievements and assuring to serve the people better. Meanwhile, former MLC D Madegowda’s name is doing the rounds.

Though the BJP was pushed to the third slot in the 2013 elections, a section of the people here, which has been voting for the BJP, which held the constituency for four terms, are still in favour of the party. With just 20 days left for the elections, the delay in announcing the candidate may prove expensive for the party, they opine.

Meanwhile, Malavika Gubbivani has entered the fray from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). She is involved in canvassing, explaining to the people about the need for a corruption-free government. Supported by youths, she is involved in hectic canvassing, distributing AAP caps.