Congress, BJP tussle continues in today’s Jayanagar bypolls

The Congress would faceoff with the BJP for the Jayanagar Assembly constituency, which goes to polls on Monday.

The Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements for the polls that would begin at 7 am and continue till 6 pm. Votes polled will be counted on Wednesday.

The election to the segment was postponed after BJP candidate B N Vijayakumar, expected to win the constituency, died of a heart attack.

The BJP has fielded Vijayakumar's brother B N Prahlad Babu, who will face Congress MLA Ramalinga Reddy's daughter Sowmya Reddy. In all, 19 candidates are in the fray, including independent nominee Ravi Krishna Reddy.

The JD(S), which joined forces with the Congress to form the government, withdrew its candidate and threw its support behind its ally. Syed Zabi, the candidate from the Mahila Empowerment Party, also withdrew from the race at the last minute and expressed support to the Congress.

Known for his simplicity, Vijayakumar used his image to win elections in the constituency. The polls would show if Vijayakumar's sudden death would translate into sympathy votes for his brother.

While Ramalinga left no stones unturned to ensure his daughter Sowmya had the advantage, Reddy — who made a name for himself as an anti-corruption crusader — is also giving a tough fight.

There are 2,03,184 voters in the constituency, including 1,02,668 men and 16 transgenders. Security has been deployed in the area in view of the polls.

The JD(S), which joined forces with the Congress to form the government, withdrew its candidate and threw its support behind its ally. Syed Zabi, the candidate from the Mahila Empowerment Party, also withdrew from the race at the last minute and expressed support to the Congress.

Known for his simplicity, Vijayakumar used his image to win elections in the constituency. The polls would show if Vijayakumar’s sudden death would translate into sympathy votes for his brother.

While Ramalinga left no stones unturned to ensure his daughter Sowmya had the advantage, Reddy — who made a name for himself as an anti-corruption crusader — is also giving a tough fight.

There are 2,03,184 voters in the constituency, including 1,02,668 men and 16 transgenders. Security has been deployed in the area in view of the polls.