Close fights in election for Bangalore South

20-04-09 The Bangalore South Lok Sabha constituency is perhaps one of the few segments in Karnataka the result of which could have a a major impact on the contending parties ,particularly the BJP and Congress, and their candidates. Fighting to retain his seat four time MP from this constituency, Mr Ananth Kumar, 50, of the BJP, is facing stiff competition from Mr Krishna Byre Gowda, 36, of the Congress. Mr Ananth Kumar,who till recently may have viewed the contest as a cake walk has suddenly realised that he is up against a youngster to support whom even Congress general secretary, Mr Rahul Gandhi, has thrown his weight behind.
 

Added to that is the campaigning by former chief minister and influential party leader, Mr S M Krishna, all of which has given the young Mr Gowda reason to be confident. Further, the use of the new media including the internet, sms, blogs and chats that the Congress candidate who is a two time MLA, is using to interact with youngsters and software professionals here, has added a new meaning to the contest.
 

More so, as both Mr Kumar and Mr Gopinath, founder of Air Deccan, the low cost airline, who is fighting as an Independent, are also using the social media to reach out to the literate voters of the constituency. Equally interesting , the candidates have been using novel methods to woo voters including playing cricket with friendly crowds, holding street plays, even eating in eateries. Not to speak of door-to door campaigning in areas like Jayanagar, Govindrajnagar, Vijaynagar, Basvangudi, Chickpet, Padmanabhanagar, BTM Layout and Bommanhalli,as a round of the constituency indicates.
 

While a win here could catapult the young Mr Gowda to the national scene with Mr Rahul Gandhi clearly indicating his appreciation of the young candidate at a public rally here, for Mr Ananthkumar,a defeat could neutralize his ambitions to play a major role in Karnataka and the centre as well. It is no secret that he does not get along with chief minister, Mr Yeddyurappa.
 

This explains why he wastes no time in reminding the voters of the work that he claims to have done for the constituency including his contribution as a civil aviation and urban development minister at the centre during the NDA rule. He is also banking on the support of Congress deserter and popular leader, Mr Somanna, who has joined the BJP. That’s why he is quick to assert that the youth favour the BJP under Mr Advani and it would not be difficult for him to make history by retaining his seat.
 

Giving the two candidates some uncomfortable moments are Mr Gopinath, Independent, and Prof Radhakrishnan of the JDS,both from the Brahmin community.They have thrown their hats into the ring with Mr Gopinath in particular not hesitating to make a statement about the current political atmosphere. The two are equally confident of pulling off a surprise though the contest remains between the two national parties.
Nevertheless, as with the other famous Independents like Ms Mallika Sarabhai in Gandhinagar and Mrs Sanyal in Mumbai, the former aviation man too has been attracting enough attention from the youngsters, hoping to make a point about changing the political scenario in the country.

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