Election fray in coffee land turns mysterious day by day

People have been predicting various results as election fray is all set in Kodagu.

During the delimitation of assembly constituencies in 2008, Somvarpet constituency merged with Madikeri. Currently, Madikeri and Virajpet are the two constituencies in the district.

Issues of drinking problem and man-animal conflict, is on the rise in the district. The forest dwellers have been demanding proper facilities from a long time. Also, unfulfilled demand for Kodava Heritage village, Samskritika Bhavana and Kannada Bhavana.

BJP, which has built a strong fortress in the district, has made Tipu Jayanti as the main issue in the current elections, to beat Congress. Tipu Jayanti, which was observed amidst opposition, resulted in communal clashes, claiming two lives. BJP leaders have been referring to the case, highlighting it as the failure of the government.

Congress and JD(S) have been making all possible efforts to storm the bastion of BJP.

Sitting MLA K G Bopaiah is the BJP candidate from Virajpet constituency. The three-time MLA, was the Speaker of Legislative Assembly during B S Yeddyurappa’s tenure.

MLC Arun Machaiah, who is said to be the close aide of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is confronting Bopaiah in the electoral battle. As a Karate champion, he held the post of the Director of World Karate Federation and Vice President of National Karate Federation.

JD(S) has fielded Sanketh Poovaiah, who has associated himself with social work.

There was a demand in Virajpet constituency to provide ticket to the candidate belonging to Kodava community. As Bopaiah is from Arebhashe Gowda community, the competition will be tough for him.

In Madikeri, sitting MLA M P Appacchu Ranjan is contesting for the Assembly Election for the fifth time. This has made many BJP leaders turn rebellions, which will be a major challenge before Appacchu Ranjan.

Former minister B A Jeevijaya is contesting from JD(S). He holds the credit of defeating former chief minister R Gundu Rao earlier. Jeevijaya had lost against Appacchu in 2013 elections.

Jeevijaya’s close contender is K P Chandrakala from Congress. The Zilla Panchayat member is the sister of film actor Jai Jagadish, who is extensively campaigning for his sister.