JD(S)-BJP secret pact may prove costly for CM's friend in Mysore

Mysore: The Mysore-Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency is likely to witness a straight fight between the Congress and the BJP. Even though Congress candidate and sitting MP A H Vishwanath is a popular leader in the region, he is facing tough contest from a political greenhorn and BJP candidate Pratap Simha thanks to the involvement of JD(S).

The constituency is known as a Congress bastion. Of the 15 elections, Congress has held this seat 13 times, while BJP had managed to snatch the same twice in the past. Large chunks of Vokkaliga, Dalit, minorities and Kurubas make up the majority of total electorate of this constituency. Lingayats and a small number of Brahmin voters are also among the crucial voters.

Political pundits opine that caste may roll decisive role in the ensuing elections in Mysore-Kodagu. Mr Vishwanath, a Kuruba, is appealing his community members to prevent division of votes. On the other hand Mr Simha, a Vokkaliga, has suffixedGowda' to his name to woo his community members.

Another interesting factor here is that, JD(S) is leaving no stone unturned to teach a lesson to their political arch rival Siddaramaiah by defeating his closest friend Mr Vishwanath

Like elsewhere in Karnataka, the JD(S) has made a covert arrangement with the BJP in Mysore-Kodagu too. This has given hardcore Hindutva activist Mr Simha, who is riding high on the “Modi wave” a jump start.

The reluctance of H D Deve Gowda and family to canvassing for their own party's candidate Chandrashekaraiah in Mysore-Kudagu is also a proof for their understanding with BJP. Ironically several senior JD(S) party workers are seen participating in BJP meetings in the constituency. On the other hand Social Democratic Party of India is supporting JD(S) candidate.

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