Room for everyone: Little known outfits join election bandwagon

Elections in Karnataka are largely centred around three major parties — BJP, Congress and JD(S). However, the 2023 assembly polls seem to be different with several new parties making their debuts. Candidates of these lesserknown political parties are mostly social workers, retired employees, homemakers and youngsters. TOI gives a lowdown on some of the smaller outfits in the fray.
TIPU SULTAN PARTY
Determined to put an end to the hatred-filled narrative about the Mysore Tiger, a few Tipu Sultan fans set up the party in 2019.Headed by Prof Shaikh Sadeque, the party has no political ambition, but wants to establish the fact that there are people who still honour the brave king who fought the British. The party wishes to set up a university offering free education from KG to PG level.
DESH PREM PARTY
Fielding a lone candidate in the Mahalakshmi Layout constituency, the party has caught the attention with its unique name centred around patriotic fervour.
JANA SPANDANA PARTY
Party candidate MP Jaganatha Rao, in KR Puram, himself had no clue about the party and its history. A close friend of his, who had contested the parliamentary polls previously, prompted him to contest and that is when he heard about this party. His sisters are said to be funding his poll expenses.
GAREEB ADMI PARTY
A party set up by a few like-minded leaders disillusioned with AAP in Delhi has found a place in Bengaluru. The party’s lone candidate Sunstar D Jairam, in Pulikeshinagar, is a retired person, who claims to have previously contested in 20 elections.
INDIAN NEW CONGRESS PARTY
The party with roots in Jigani wants to take on the biggies by exposing the corrupt practices of incumbent MLAs. The party has fielded an RTI activist in Hebbal and another candidate in Ramanagara.
NAVARANG CONGRESS PARTY
Hoping to deliver to the poor what it claims the Congress couldn’t, this party has fielded Maqsood Ahmed, an autoconsultant from MS Palya, for the Byatarayanapura seat. He is being assisted by his sisters and family members.
SARVAJANIKA ADARSHA SENA
Set up with the purpose of providing responsive, transparent governance and upholding patriotic spirit, the Sena has fielded Brigadier Ravi Muniswamy from Byatarayanapura.
YOUNG STAR EMPOWERMENT PARTY
Targeting youngsters, a few like-minded people set up this party. It has fielded social activist Shakila Banu from Yeshwantpur, who has been distributing food kits and conducting free Arabic classes for the poor through her foundation.
INDIAN MOVEMENT PARTY
Headquartered in Jigani, this party is determined to bring transparency in governance and has picked youngsters to contest the polls.