Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Dec 2: It is generally perceived that the failed effort of the BJP to wrest power in Maharashtra has dented its image. Leaders of the BJP, the Congress and the JD(S) believe that the voters of Old Mysuru have decided on whom to vote, and that excessive campaigning there will not have any effect on their mindset. Therefore, they have now begun to concentrate on influencing voters in constituencies going to bypoll in north Karnataka.
The Congress and the JD(S) have drawn solace from the BJP's drubbing in Maharashtra and plan a similar performance in the bypoll. If the parties which earned votes last time continue to retain the commitment of the voters, the BJP's chances of victory will be remote. Those who have delved deep into campaigning feel that the charisma of individual candidates rather than party affiliation are working now.
The JD(S), leaders of which are angry at the BJP for convincing two former BJP legislators who had entered the election fray as JD(S) candidates, to withdraw their candidature, is trying to win at least in a couple of constituencies in the north. Former chief minister H D Kummaraswamy, is concentrating on winning Gokak seat where former BJP leader Ashok Pujari, who has enormous sway over the voters, has been fielded by his party. Surprisingly, Kumaraswamy also announced during the campaigning that Ashok will become a minister if he wins the election.
The BJP is hopeful of bagging seats in north Karnataka by repeating its past performances, as it is not sure about winning the constituencies located in Old Mysuru region. In several constituencies, there is a possibility of the cast of the candidate making a huge difference if one relies on past indications. North Karnataka is believed to be a strong bastion of the BJP where Lingayats are supposed to be supporting the BJP. The party is believed to have given targets to its leaders, duly warning them that they may have to sacrifice their positions if they fail to ensure victory of party candidates as the party is in a do or die situation. BJP leaders are aware that indulging in Operation Lotus may not be viable as it would be difficult to keep the promise of giving positions to legislators.
On Sunday, in spite of rain in several parts of Bengaluru, candidates and leaders were seen actively seeking votes in four constituencies in the city which go to bypoll. As the bypoll is drawing nearer, an urgency seems to have set in. The candidates of all the three parties, who have sensed that their victory is not a forgone conclusion, have been trying hard to woo the voters.