Mangalore, April 16, 2013:
The diminishing influence of BJP in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi which are the traditional fortresses of BJP has infused a new-found confidence in Congress circles. The recent ULB election result was a pointer to the BJP’s eroding power. Scams, scandals and infighting with the party has further dented BJP’s declining image. On the other hand the Congress is riding high following its recent success in ULB polls and is already sensing victory in Mangalore and Udupi apart from a few more seats from its so called safe constituencies.
Needless to say the Congress is in the forefront as far as election campaigning is concerned in Mangalore South constituency. When Lobo’s name was confirmed for Congress ticket from Mangalore South the rival camp headed by Ivan D Souza was up in arms against the Congress high command and even issued some damaging statements. They even held a protest march in front of the Congress office in the city. But now the rival camp has been decimated as Ashraf and others who were identified with Ivan have joined J R Lobo and have assured their full support and cooperation. Now Ivan is mollified with the post of convener of the election committee.
J R Lobo filed his nomination papers on April 15, with a nomination rally. Lobo sought the blessings of the Bishop of Mangalore and visited Bunder’s Jummma & Kudroli temple. (This is nothing but a cheap ploy which the Congress has always used to project itself as secular). Participants in the rally congregated at Kudroli temple maidan and this nomination rally kick started Congress campaign in the constituency.
But there is a small hitch. Congress supporters especially the Catholics give an impression that they are going to win the seat hands down. It was this belief that had actually intensified the clamor for ticket between J R Lobo and Ivan D Souza camp because they believed getting ticket is equivalent to winning. The constituency has therefore has acquired special attention where the Congress is on the offensive and BJP in the defensive. It remains to be seen whether the overconfidence in Congress camp might harm its prospects.
Congress has always given the Mangalore South ticket to Christian candidates as the party has always banked on Christian and Muslim votes to win. But it must be realized that minority (both Muslim and Christians) account for nearly 45 to 50% of the population and the remaining 50 is Hindu population. At the same time while Christian and Muslims exercise their vote in large numbers the same cannot be said about the Hindus. Furthermore, not all the Hindus are BJP supporters and that is going to be a herculean task for the BJP. Though Bhat has been BJP’s trump card since 1994 winning the seat continuously for four times, considering the belligerent move with which the Congress is campaigning it is going to be tough for Yogish Bhat and the BJP to bridge the gap of about 8000 voters who might play a decisive role as far as Mangalore South is concerned.
Will the BJP bandwagon will be able to take on the aggressive campaign the Congress is carrying out remains to be seen. The BJP is aware of its pitfalls and where it stands vis-à-vis the Congress strength. An intense battle is ahead in Mangalore South constituency in the coming assembly elections.ENN
