Bidar || Atif Ashar : on Friday, during his visit to BasavaKalyan, BY Vijayendra said that he would follow the directions of state unit President Nalinkumar Katil. “I will go where ever he directs and do whatever he says, But I am not an Aspirant” said the son of chief minister Yeddiyurappa.
He had to make this statement here is a speculation in the BasavaKalyan constituency that Vijayendra Yeddiyurappa, son of Karnataka CM BS Yeddiyurappa might contest in the upcoming by-election to be held in the next few months. Even the strong statement from CM BS Yeddiurappa didn’t dispel the rumours that the BJP Scion is a Sure Candidate from BasavaKalyan in Bidar.
The BasavaKalyan seat fell vacant after the death of Congress legislator B. Narayan Rao due to COVID-19 on 24 September. The Election Commission is yet to announce the dates for the by-poll yet.
BasavaKalyan is a significant constituency for both Lingayats and Marathas for for Different reasons. For Lingayats, BasavaKalyan is where the popular saint Basavanna began his mission. For Maratha this is among few seats in Karnataka where they have been able to win and send an MLA to state assembly. while there is Speculation that the Congress as a rule might give the ticket to B Narayanrao’s son Gautham. There are several other leaders vying for the ticket f rom the Congress party, DCC chairman Basavaraj JabShetty reportedly received 20 applications in this regard in a single meeting. Congress is expecting another coalition of Muslim-SC-OBC (AHINDA) groups which saw B Narayan Rao emerge victorious.
Gautham B NarayanRao, with his father, Late MLA B NarayanRao
JDS is tightlipped and may go with a Muslim candidate to disturb the apple-carts of Both Congress and AIMIM. it has been one of the most successful party in this assembly segment, but has since been reduced to a spoilsport due to desertion of leaders, there are rumor’s of a Gulbarga based educationist belonging to Muslim being considered for election. It had fielded Maratha strongman PGR Scindhia who garnered enough votes to get BJP defeated. There is also a Possibility of JDS-MIM alliance in the seat which may prove even bigger headache for INC & BJP.
On the other hand, local leadership of AIMIM has repeatedly indicated that they will be contesting this by-election, although final say on this matter rests with Br Asaduddin Owaisi. fresh on heels with huge victory from Bihar, Asad Owaisi’s party decides to contest BasavaKalyan By-election, it might make a Severe dent in the Voter base of the Congress party. Given that Muslims form a formidable population in the constituency and almost a Majority in city there is a good chance that AIMIM might get through the race. But that is dependent upon Candidate and other issues as well.
Another aspect in the fight is Maratha voter, the Maratha and Lingayat community have usually been at odds in the seat. There are several example in past that if one political party gave Ticket to A Lingayat Candidate and the other party went With to the Maratha/Reddy Community. AS the BJPP is inclined towards a Lingayat candidate this time, the party may face ire of Marathas/Reddy’s who may then be snapped up by ShivSena, which is reportedly eyeing to exploit the Maratha anguish towards BJP for not denying ticket to the community.
Given that neither party is in winning position the race is wide-open which is why the BJP is hoping to field CM’s Son as a Unifier candidate for all the castes which back BJP and win over the Castes which would be happy to support a candidate of His stature. if that Happens, then the only thing Congress can bank upon is sympathy wave in the Constituency.
In Photos: BY Vijayendra gets massive welcome by BJP Bidar Unit in BasavaKalyan.
