Battle of nerves for BJP

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The Legislative Council elections from the three Graduates' and three Teachers' constituencies on Sunday could well be one of the toughest electoral battles for the ruling BJP in recent times. Because, it is just not the Congress and Janata Dal (S), but a few independents also, who could prove to be a thorn in the flesh.

For the BJP, these elections will be crucial as 23 districts come under these constituencies of which 12 are considered to be its strongholds. While the opposition has been trying to encash on the "growing resentment" against the BJP, a few independent candidates like Ashwin Mahesh in Bangalore Graduates' constituency are likely to play spoilsport for the ruling party. The Brahmin voters are considered to be the deciding factor in all six constituencies as they form a formidable chunk while Lingyats, Vokkaliga and OBC voters may also play a crucial role in regions where they are dominant.

In an unusual move, Congress has tried to make a dent into the traditional vote bank of the BJP by announcing its candidates eight months ahead of the poll schedule. Though JD(S) has announced six candidates, it seems content restricting itself to the Old Mysore region. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior BJP leader noted that though each candidate has his own vote bank, internal squabbles and scandals in the party could dent their chances. "Similarly, leaders who have been campaigning also observed that former chief minister B. S. Yeddyurappa not taking active part could be another factor if the party fails to maintain its lead position in this election", the source claimed.

The source added that even party workers owing allegiance to the RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal feel that party's prospects may take a hit. "Some workers have been openly critical during the party's internal meetings saying that the party leaders failed to live up to expectations and hence, it would be difficult for them to seek votes. But, we are keeping our fingers crossed", the source pointed out.

On a positive note, the source said that the party had chalked out its strategies well and sent out every leader belonging to even the smallest of communities to campaign on behalf of its candidates.
A senior Congress leader told this newspaper that the party had nothing to lose in this elections and only hopes to gain. "The party had never taken elections to these constituencies seriously and made no effort all these years. But this time, we have made efforts seriously and sincerely, and hope to win at least two seats", he said, exuding confidence.

According to the source, the South-West Graduates' constituency, represented by Legislative Council chairman D.H. Shankarmurthy, is one which the Congress candidate S.P. Dinesh could wrest from the BJP and so also the South-West teachers' constituency represented by BJP's leader Ganesh Karnik.