S Shikaripura (Karnataka), May 14 : The small town Shikaripura in Malnad area of Karnataka has woken up to the tremors of Assembly elections. For the people of Shikaripura, this election is a fight for supremacy between two leaders.
 The scorching heat has added to the election heat rising the temperature to all time high. Two former Chief Ministers are fighting the battle. It is high profile Sarekoppa Bangarappa versus B S Yeddyurappa who has consolidated himself in his long innings in politics, though his chief ministership lasted for only two weeks. Bangarappa is supported by the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular). The town with over 16,1000 voters is witnessing a high voltage drama. Caste and issues of development are playing a major role in this election. Yeddyurappa no doubt has nourished this constituency and won five times. But in the theatrics of politics, Bangarappa came here to take personal revenge against Yeddyurappa and is fighting with the support of the Congress and the JD (S). In fact at one time, Bangarappa had joined the BJP and got elected as an MP from Shimoga. As a person, Bangarappa, a backward classes leader, is also very popular. He is testing his strength in this election. Yeddyurappa takes credit for three hundred crore-development works implemented when he was in the government. Talking to ANI, Yeddyurappa said that he is confident of BJP winning the polls and forming the government with a simple majority. He says people of Shikaripura would teach Bangarappa a lesson and finish him politically. In Shikaripura, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with over 35000 votes and Muslims with over 15000 votes hold the key. Yeddyurappa, a lingayat, feels he will have the support of over 55000 voters in the constituency. People of Shikaripura look for development and stability. They feel the irrigation and development works initiated by Yeddyurappa will work to his advantage. Will caste considerations prevail during the elections or the past record of the candidates? For the people of this constituency who are voting in the second phase, this is a crucial fight. By K G Vasuki (ANI) © 2007 ANI TAGS: South-Asia
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