This time, although a vibe of confidence is being felt in Congress circles in Puttur after having roped in Shakunthala Shetty on their side, they are far from feeling comfortable as SDPI may well spoil their party in the coming elections.
Ms Shetty's joining of Congress is being looked at by Congress activists as a uniting factor between their conflicting leaders. They are also hopeful that former BJP leader's joining of the party will have an impact on the local body polls.
Like in many other places, there is an anti-BJP wave doing rounds in Puttur too and the Congress is keen on encashing on the BJP's "failure of administration" factor. In Shakunthala Shetty, they have found a uniting force and it is also being said that Ms. Shetty enjoys support of the Muslims in the region as she had participated actively in fighting for justice in the Shamima murder case, although she was in BJP at the time.
However, SDPI is fielding its candidates in 11 wards of the 27 seat Puttur Town Municipal Council. As many as15 of those wards are Muslim dominated. Congressmen say that if at all they are to face challenges from other parties, it has to be SDPI in Puttur as it has a stronger presence in the region compared to JD(S).
Muhammad Ali, who served as the Leader of opposition in the Puttur Town Municipal Council, is contesting from the Kurnadka ward from the Congress.
Although a prominent leader of the Congress, the party is now worried that SDPI may spoil his chances and divide the votes. So is the case in Bannur ward from where Anwar Qasim is scheduled to contest from.
SDPI is likely to affect the chances of two Christian candidates contesting from the Congress as well. The margin of victory in terms of votes has always been a close one in Puttur and hence smaller parties may well end up playing a decisive role this time around.
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