N.Dixit
Bangalore, March 8, 2013:
Record turnout in the elections to urban local bodies (ULB) on Thursday has generated considerable excitement as Assembly polls are round the corner. According to the sources in State Election Commission 69.98 % of the voters, probably the highest for civic elections in the past two decades have cast their ballots.
Though none of the political parties were ready for the elections, state election commissioner C R Chikkamath was firm to deliver his duties well on time. With the apex court backing the decision of the state election commission, the political parties were forced to face the reality.
As a result as many as 207 ULBs including seven city corporations, 43 city municipal corporations, 64 town municipal councils and 93 town panchayats, went to polls. Election was not held in in Terdal Town Municipal Council in Bagalkot district as none filed nominations in protest against the government not including Terdal in newly carved out taluks in the State.
Nearly 5000 wards in all were up for grabs, with close to 22,000 candidates in the fray, the fate of whom has been sealed in the electronic voting machines which will be opened on Monday.
Though it is well evident that the result of local body election is no referendum, the results are all set to create ripples in the state political scenario. The local fight is seen as the first step towards the assembly elections, slated in May this year.
For the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) it is a test of its image. The entire house of BJP is in shambles, especially after BJP strongman and former Chief Minister of Karnataka BS Yeddyurappa left his parent party to form Karnataka Janata Party (KJP).
Moreover, during its five-year-term, many of top leaders of the party were accused of corruption charges. The development of whole of the state has come to a standstill, as the party leaders were busy in solving infighting within the party.
Adding to its woes past results are also not in favor of BJP. Statistics say in 2007, the Congress had topped the tally, winning 1,606 wards, followed by JD(S) 1,502 and the BJP 1,180.
On the other hand Congress party is high on hopes. The party leaders are brimming with confidence with many pre poll survey’s favoring them. However, the party is facing a set back with dissidence of many senior leaders.
Janatha Dal Secular lead by former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy is planning to broaden its base in the urban packets where its presence is very minimal. The party is also deeming to project itself as the suitable alternative to both Congress and BJP.
For the new outfits- KJP of former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and BSR Congress of B Sriramulu-both former leaders of BJP – the result of local election is an acid test. The results are also an indicator of the future of their parties.
Meanwhile those sitting on the fence are also eagerly waiting for the results. Their future destination will be decided on the results of the local fight. As a result the state is all set to witness a series of high voltage political drama in the next fortnight.
