Why BJP lost Udupi-Chikmagalur by poll?

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 22 March 2012: BJP has lost the by election in a huge margin beyond expectations. It was assumed that whoever loses in this election between the Congress and BJP they might lose within a margin of 5 – 10 thousands. But BJP has lost by more than 45,000 votes, which has damaged the reputation of BJP who were continuously winning in Udupi – Chickmagalur.
D.V. Sadananda Gowda who won here in the year 2009 for a term of 5 years had suddenly vacated this seat since he became the Chief Minister and made way for the election before the 5 year term. This was an unwanted election for the people. Giving a fitting reply to this the voters has changed the party itself that represents them.

Though this was the Lokasabha election, the political activities taking place within the state has made a huge impact on the voting. The watching of porn picture in the Sadana, the Rave Party in Malpe, the absence of Yeddyurappa in the election campaign have all forced the voter to vote against BJP in the election.

 

 

The Bunts in Kundapura joining hands with Jayaprakash Hegde who is from their community and in Udupi the accusations between Congress party’s Pramodh Madhwaraj and MLA Raghupathi Bhat resulting most of the Mogaveer’s becoming against BJP MLA, has caused the advancing of Congress in this election. It is also possible that the anti BJP leaflets distributed to the houses of Gowdasaraswath Brahmins who are the strong supporters of BJP in Udupi might have worked.

The Karnataka Communal Harmony Vedike had campaigned this time not to vote for Sunil Kumar saying he is against the minorities. Besides this the Raitha Sangha had campaigned not to vote for the supporters of Udupi Power Corporation Ltd. (UPCL) and vote to those who are against it. The call of both these associations seems to have worked against BJP in Kaup and Udupi Vidhana Sabha constituencies.

During the last election Jayaprakash Hegde has received more votes in 4 segments of Chickmagalur than in Udupi, and this time he had worked hard day and night to save those votes, and succeeded in it. Besides the coffee – areca growers who received 200 crore rupees package from the center have stood by Hegde.

Overall, the defeat in this Udupi – Chickmagalur lokasabha by election has put brakes to the assumptions of the continuous victory to BJP here. It has also conveyed the message that the people are cautiously watching everything that is happening in the state.