MLA confident, but bizman may hurt chances in Bengaluru South seat in Karnataka

Scoring a hattrick since 2008 in Karnataka’s largest assembly constituency is a formidable task. But BJP MLA M Krishnappa is facing a bigger challenge in his bid to get elected for the fourth time from Bengaluru South.

Desperate to expand its footprint in Bengaluru, JD(S) has fielded powerful real estate businessman HP Rajagopala Reddy, who defected from Congress. JD(S)’ la stminute move is hotting up the contest, which could otherwise have been one-sided.
With the realty sector dropping anchor in a predominantly rural landscape, Bengaluru South is gradually transforming into a bustling urban sprawl dotted with big-ticket housing projects, gated communities, villaments and industrial townships like parts of Electronics City and Jigani.

“Unlike previous polls where Congr ess was our opponent, this time it is JD(S). But I strongly believe voters will not give up on me as they have been seeing my work for 15 years. We are reaching out to every household with our report card and explaining what the PM Modi-led central government has given to Bengaluru,” said Krishnappa, who has covered all the 580-plus booths.
JD(S) is also aggressively steering its campaign by listing out the civic problems the BJP MLA has failed to resolve.

“People voted for BJP for 15 years only to get disappointed. A partments are springing up across the constituency but residents are unable to get khatas without paying bribe. Metro cuts through the constituency but there is no lastmile conn ectivity. Several villages added to BBMP limits still don’t have roads,” alleged Munesh Kumar, a JD(S) worker campaigning in Jigani.

RK Ramesh, the Congress candidate, said, “Corruptionis rampan t as no citizen can get work done without paying bribe. I may have lost previously but I have worked to resolve people’s problems. Last time, RWAs refused to let me in to ask fo r votes. But today they are inviting and interacting with me. ”

The constituency has a vibrant civil society. “The MLA has fulfilled some promises. But we constantly need to remind him and fight for the m,” said Srivatsa Vajapayem, member, Changemakers of Kanakapura Road.

Pavan Vasishta, member of an RWA in Anjanapura, said, “Considering that this isthe biggest constituenc y, the MLA being a ruling party member should have got more funds and turned it into a model area. Bengaluru South recorded 3,952 NOTA votes — the highest in Bengaluru. Due to narrow roads, vehicular density is high and soon Konanakunte signal will be another Silk Board junction with the opening of one of the biggest malls nearby. ” Krishnappa points at his limitations as well. “With the huge population, it becomes difficult to connect with all places simultaneously. Yet I have been doing my best. . . ”

Poll narratives also revolve around candidates’ educational background, with Aam Aadmi Party candidate Ashok Mruthyunjaya pointing out that all three major party candidates are just SSLC pass. “They have neither qualification nor vision. I was initially hesitant to contest, given the local leaders’ clout. But after I met thousands of educated voters, I felt they are genuinely frustrated and I have a fair chance,” said Ashok, who is armed with PGDBM, advanced DBM and diploma in IFRS from the UK and working as senior finance manager at Amazon India.

However, Krishnappa said, “Knowledge is more important than education. He (AAP candidate) does not even stay in the constituency; what rights does he have to question the voters’ decision?”

Krishnappa’s increasing margin can be attributed to him belonging to the Vokkaliga community, which is dominant here. Congress is pinning its hopes o n minorities and OBCs who form the second biggest block.

“Prabhakar Reddy, the JD(S) candidate in the last polls, has also joined Congress to give it new strength. KPCC chief DK Shivaku mar and MP DK Suresh have been guiding grassroots workers and panchayat leaders. We are confident of wresting the seat,” said Ramesh.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, Location Guesser and Mini Crossword.