With only a day left for the second phase of 2008 state assembly election, public canvassing has come to an end. On the last day of public canvassing team Daijiworld met two important candidates of Mangalore South constituency.

Yogish Bhat has always been considered as the champion here as he won the election with BJP ticket last three consecutive times. In the past he has defeated Congress candidate the late Blasius D'Souza twice and Lancelot Pinto once. But this time Bhat has a bigger challenge in his hands. His prime opponent is advocate and young blood Ivan D'Souza who migrated to Congress from Gowda's JDS in the year 2004.

It will not be a cakewalk for Ivan, but chances are 50-50 here, say political pundits.

Yogish Bhat:

Bhat is considered as an all-community man. Though people blame BJP for their Hindutva policies, Yogish Bhat is an exception to this. He mixes with people of all religions and hardly has any enemies. His bold step of  participating in a rally in Mangalore last year in protest against the attack on Christian priest in Kundapur was hailed by everyone. His participation had created controversy in BJP zone and for this people even predicted that Bhat will not get ticket this time. But Bhat proved them wrong - his popularity enabled him to get a chance to score his fourth successive election victory.

Yogish Bhat is a low-profile politician and a hard worker. 'I have visited more than 22,000 houses in the last few days, and I was accorded warm welcome irrespective of religion, language or caste.'

'I know that I am acceptable to all communities. When I was an MLA last three times, I have worked for the betterment of all communities.'

'My election canvassing is based on two important things - one is my achievement in these constituencies during the last three terms and the other is our leader Yeddyurappa's achievements and his contribution to the state as deputy CM during BJP-JD(S) coalition-led government.'

'Also we have been educating people about our manifesto; it is very clear that BJP's manifesto is pro-poor.'

'In the coming days I will have to concentrate on export, IT industry, insurance for poor, BPL card for the people whose annual income is less than Rs 30,000 and other issues.'

'Due to betrayal by JD(S) we could not complete our pending work, but we hope that people will give us full power this time and allow us to do pro-poor work.'

When asked why Yogish Bhat is a low-profile person and not seen enough in media, specially during election, he liked the question and said, 'No one asked me this question, but as you may be aware I hail from a middle-class family and I do not have enough money to spend on publicity. Secondly, my work speaks about me - I visit every house, I meet individuals and explain my achievements. I do not believe in publicity through media hype.'

Bhat also says that delimitation of constituencies will not affect his votes, in fact it will be a boon for him as BJP believes in working and not showing-off, he says.

He ended the interview on a confident note that not only will he win but all the eight constituencies of the district will be in BJP's pocket.

Ivan D'Souza:

Young and energetic, hailing from Pilar Mudarangady and advocate by profession, Ivan looks tired on the last day of his campaigning. He seems to have lost some weight due to his aggressive door-to-door campaigning. He has a bunch of men and women supporters with him, and his level of confidence is sky-high.

He leaves no stone unturned to have a dig at BJP, 'People have lost trust in BJP. Yogish Bhat was a total failure in three terms and has not made any major contribution to Mangalore. Look at the parking system in Mangalore - you will not find enough place to park your vehicle during peak hours within the city. Mangalore has been considered as the next IT hub but no efforts have been taken to turn the dream into reality. BJP will pay for their lethargic works in Mangalore.'

'I see a bright future for Congress, and I am confident of Congress government in the state. My priorities will be to develop roads, tourism, make Mangalore as an IT hub, and undertake all kind of developmental work in the city. I intend to specially work for the poor. BJP promised ration cards when they were in power but till now they have not given ration cards to the poor. Also they talk about BPL cards for the poor. It is ridiculous. Youngsters of Mangalore South constituency are with me, and I do not see any problem in winning the seat from here.'

Ivan clarifies that there are no differences between him and Suresh Ballal. 'It was only the difference of opinion between us, but once B form was given to me, Ballal called a press conference and clarified his stand to support me. All his supporters are with me. And to be frank, if there is any constituency in the entire state with NO differences within the party, it is Mangalore South.'

He also pointed out that, JD(S), CPM and Muslim League have not fielded any candidates from Mangalore South.

Ivan reacted strongly when asked about the allegation he faced about concentrating only on Muslim and Christian vote banks.

'It is not true. I am a man for all and have never indulged in any discrimination. It is BJP which divides the community and rules; I believe in simplicity and getting support of all communities. I married a Hindu and that is enough to prove that I do not back only minorities. It may be true that minorities are with me, but I want to reiterate that I am a person for all.'

'Look at BJP, they indulge in all kinds of caste and religion-based politics. In the entire state they have not given a single ticket to a Muslim or a Christian,' he alleged.