Campaign: Regional aspirations to the fore

Growers’ problems is a major issue being discussed during campaigning in the district.

Congress – JD(S) coalition candidate C H Vijayshankar has been touring the district and presenting national and regional issues before voters.

BJP candidate Prathap Simha is campaigning in the northern and southern parts and focusing on his achievements – mainly the development of the Mysuru airport, sanction for four-laning of the Mysuru – Madikeri Road, and the Mysuru – Kushalnagar railway line. “The Centre has released grants during the natural calamity in Kodagu,” Simha pointed out.

The claims by both have triggered accusations and counter-accusations between them.

Simha is mostly contend highlighting the achievements of the Centre, while also seeking votes on grounds of national interest. The Congress candidate has been accusing the MP of neglecting Kodagu.

Crop price

The steep fall in prices of major horticultural crops, including pepper and coffee, has been a major political plank of the Congress. The coalition parties have been accusing the Centre of being responsible for the price fall, which is attributed to import and export policies.

Vijayshankar is alleging that Simha, who is a member of the Spice Board, had done nothing to stabilise crop price.

He is also seeking information about the status of the railway line sanctioned to Kodagu.

BJP, with a strong presence in Kodagu, is optimistic about the poll outcome. To retain the bastion, party leaders in the district have sunk their differences and are striving for a BJP victory. Both MLAs are campaigning together.

Star campaigners

Union Minister Smriti Irani spoke at a public campaign in Gonikoppa on March 31. BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa is expected to come and campaign for Simha soon.

JD(S) state president Adagaru H Vishwanath and District In-charge H S Mahadevappa have traversed Kodagu one round for campaigns.

State coalition government coordination committee chairperson Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara, Minister Sa Ra Mahesh and G T Devegowda are expected to campaign in Kodagu.

‘Minimum support price of little help’

Growers in the district complained that the minimum support price by the Centre for pepper (Rs 500 a kg) was of little help to them. Even after notification, the market prices had not improved, they said. The market price of pepper was Rs 280 to Rs 300 a kg. The condition of coffee growers is no better.

The Congress leaders have been repeatedly raising the issue during their campaigns.