Karnataka elections: Karkala & Moodbidri a walkover for BJP?


Political Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 17: When the first list of Congress candidates was announced on Sunday night, as expected massive discontent erupted among ticket seekers from all corners who were among the probables to the B form from Congress. Mangaluru and Udupi districts were not an exception. Though a majority of the tickets were issued to incumbent MLAs, two seats from the coastal belt created huge problems for the Congress high command. The Karkala and Moodbidri seats at the moment are considered as 'Congress gifts to BJP' as candidates in both the constituencies are considered weak and facing anger and revolt from own partymen.

In Karkala, Sunil Kumar, the incumbent BJP candidate is dominating the region, and the only way to give him a tough fight was by giving the ticket to Uday Kumar Shetty Muniyal, who is a powerful PWD contractor, and hails from the strong Bunt community. But Veerappa Moily, former chief minister, former central minister and former MLA from Karkala turned out to be the spoilsport and villain for his own partymen.

According to close local Congress sources from Karkala, Moily played a huge 'selfish' role in refusing ticket to Uday Kumar Shetty. Moily wanted to field his son Harsha Moily, though he is neither popular, nor has caste power in Karkala. Sources allege that his 'excessive love for son' made him jeopardise his own party's prospects in Karkala. "When Moily left Karkala for national politics, he handed over the seat to his close aide Gopal Bhandary, who is considered a humble and non-corrupt person, on the condition that when his son grows up, the seat should be given back to him," says a Congress party worker to Daijiworld in Karkala.

But it was too late for Moily to field his son in Karkala as a leader called Uday Kumar Shetty had already grown in stature, and was accepted by the people of all communities.

Fearing insecurity for his son and not willing to compromise on his dream of making a political debut, Moily is said to have played a huge role in awarding the ticket to Gopal Bhandary who is considered as a weak opponent to BJP's Sunil Kumar. A Congress defeat would certainly help Moily to launch his son in Karkala in the future polls, as Harsha is still young.

Uday Kumar Shetty's supporters still hope for a reversal of fortune. They hope that realising the local situation, the Congress may come to its senses and withdraw the ticket from Bhandary through a compromise formula. If not, Shetty might plunge into the electoral battle through JD(S) ticket. He would make sure that he takes away a major portion of Congress votes, his community and substantial minority votes on his side.

On the other hand, Abhaychandra Jain, whose popularity started declining over the years due to his arrogant behaviour in public, was almost certain to sacrifice his seat to Youth Congress leader Mithun Rai. Jain had even publicly acknowledged that he would not contest the 2018 polls, but groom Mithun for the future. Trusting his words, Mithun spent money and time in Moodbidri to reach out to people. During Rahul Gandhi's visit he was instrumental in gathering thousands of youths and Congress workers from Moodbidri region. Rahul Gandhi even approved his name among one of the ten young leaders for this election. Also, at the same time, Ivan D'Souza, chief whip of the state Legislative Council tried his luck, calculating on his imagined minority votes as well as other caste strategies. At the end, both had to be disappointed, because the high command did not want to break the caste votes in Moodbidri.

But the high command would not have realised that the Congress in Moodbidri would lose votes of both Bunts and minorities, thereby facilitating an easy walkover for the BJP. It will be BJP's first ever win in Moodbidri, if the calculation goes right. BJP has already fielded Umanath Kotian for the constituency.

On one side, Jain is facing the brunt from Mithun's young brigade as well as the Bunt community, on the other hand, JD(S) is planning to field Ashwin Pereira, another popular local leader who has the blessings of veteran Amarnath Shetty. Shetty, recently in an exclusive interview to Daijiworld said that due to health issues, money and also family pressure he would not contest the assembly polls, but would wait and watch the candidates Congress and BJP candidates field before making the choice of new candidate.

Looking at the current scenario, it is clear that Jain is at the receiving end. The only hope Jain can rely on is if he convinces Amarnath Shetty to contest once again, so that votes will get divided, if not he has little hopes. According to local Congress sources, all the elections won so far by Jain were not because of caste support or his personal popularity or even Congress power, but only due to the fact that in every election Amarnath Shetty was successful in dividing the votes!

  

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Comment on this article

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Bengaluru/Katapadi

    Sat, Apr 21 2018

    Votes are mostly polled on party and less on the contestant

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • vijay, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 18 2018

    Mithun Rai was best candidate for congress

    DisAgree [10] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • ediboy, mangalore

    Wed, Apr 18 2018

    so are u sure u will win?

    DisAgree [6] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    abhayaChandra Jain is da correct choice

    DisAgree [12] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shan, Mlr

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Mr Jain is a good candidate but all shld support young rising star M.Rai give him chance nw when election is near ths peppl tu tu mai mai ....lol

    DisAgree [10] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Harold D'cunha, Mangalore, India.

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    For Moodabidri, Mr. Mitun Rai, is the right choice.

    DisAgree [14] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Johnny, mangalore

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    One or two seats - nothing to worry. All Kannadigas want Siddu ji to become CM of Karnataka once again. Winning 130 seats guaranteed!

    DisAgree [24] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • kumar, mulky

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Really its like election ke pehle getting walk over.... Rahul DKS Influence not working.... lol

    DisAgree [23] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • arun, mangalore

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Moily wants to loos both seats,..so that he & his son get a ticket next assembly...selfish guy

    DisAgree [7] Agree [49] Reply Report Abuse

  • Amith, USA

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Moily is the SPOILER!!!! After losing Moodbidri & Karkala, perhaps whole Karnataka, Oily Moily will say ....you know. .......winning and losing ......you know ......you know. ........

    DisAgree [7] Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mr, Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Why doesn't Moily field his son from Chikballapur. Nobody knows Harsh Moily in Mangalore nor in Udupi, he will hardly get 1000 votes if he contest here. Ban Veerappa Moily and Harsha Moily from Mangalore.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dinesh, Dubai

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Nidderamaiya nambidare chombe gati..! he not only looted karnataka tax payer money even he looted his own party karyakarta money also.

    DisAgree [47] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • S. Francis, udupi

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Most of the congress supporters from all communities of DK wants Mithun Rai from Moodbidri (over Abhaychandra Jain & Ivan) and Uday Kumar Shetty (over Gopal Bhandary) from Karkala to contest the election because they are young and have got strong supporters who can give a tough fight to opponents and win the election. And moreover as it is said this old selfish man Moily must be thrown out from the party or not to be allowed in state politics who has become a liability and spoiling the winning chances. When both the nominated candidates does not have any hope to win the election, then it is better RG or Siddharamaiah must decide and change their decision and give ticket to these two young candidates. Now it is high time for Rahul Gandhi to ask old members to retire from active politics and elevate young blood into party so that he can build up a strong image infront of the voters. We strongly suggest RG and Siddhu take immediate action to give tickets to Mithun Rai and Uday Kumar Shetty who are winning horses.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [44] Reply Report Abuse

  • Indian, Kudla

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    If u say old men should leave congress..... all will point fingers at Siddu & Kharge

    DisAgree [11] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Naveen, Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Yes Siddu should retired then DKS WILL BE A CM.

    DisAgree [21] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Desi Jawan, Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    The infighting to grab power by hook or crook has started. Nobody in Karnataka cares about the High Command when it affects their interest. Congress is a spent force!

    DisAgree [11] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Desi Jawan, Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    The infighting to grab power by hook or crook has started. Democracy my foot! Nobody in Karnataka cares about the High Command when it affects their interest. Congress is a spent force!

    DisAgree [9] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sitaram, Sampige/Bangaluru

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    If this is the case, then they must apply wisdom, cool mind and consequences and reverse the wrong decision. Selfish ideas won't work. Think rationally and keeping the unity and objectives ONE. Wise Leaders listen to the voice of the people .

    DisAgree [3] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar, Mangaluru

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Oh No! Oh No!
    Basavaji...Tippu Sultanji...Kudlada Vishwe...oh No!!! oh No !!!!

    DisAgree [9] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • ediboy, mangalore

    Wed, Apr 18 2018

    What happened?? did someone give right kick on the wrong place??

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar, Mangaluru

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Radlaa Run out aa?
    Rahul Ga...Wicket Keeper aa?
    Waa..Maharayaa...!!
    Baakidaa Censor...aa??

    DisAgree [6] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vasant Raj, Mangalore / Abudhabi.

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Poor Mitun Rai...CM Nidederamayya g maanji fry, kaane fy, bangude puli munchi, kori rotti, special kori sukkka etc. etc. tayar mantd balasina maata waste aand... inchina avaste yeregla bariyare balli marre...

    DisAgree [6] Agree [57] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rocks, Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Wait and watch the climax dude....

    :)

    DisAgree [5] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    World Cup 1999 ..Semi Final match...When Steve Waugh offered a catch to South African fielder Gibbs, no one imagined that Gibbs who was fielding near forward short leg would put down such a lolly pop catch...When Gibbs failed to catch it, Steve Waugh said " Probably you missed a World Cup my dear " ...Yes..Waugh was right, ..South Africa lost and Australia entered Final and became World Champions...It was a Gift from South Africa to Australia..because South Africa was on the verge of winning the match..but Gibbs gifted a World Cup....

    same thing here in Karkala and Moodbidri...Congress is having clear upper hand..Congressmen have not learnt lesson from Italian Lady's "Putra Vyamoham" policy.....Anyway.,.Amit Shah is smiling...before he comes to bat, match is won !!!

    DisAgree [9] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • Abdul Jabbar, Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Gibbs didnt drop..He was too early to celebrate the catch during which the ball popped out of his hand which was given not out ultimately favouring the aussies..

    DisAgree [5] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Dear Friend...Ball popped out of his hand comes under DROP list ultimately....Anyway, subject matter is not Cricket or catch...I wanted to give small example about GIFT ... For your info..here Gift means not a movable property..!!

    DisAgree [6] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Abdul Jabbar, Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Its an unfortunate incident which favoured the aussies, which was beyond south africa's control.This is a deliberte selfish attempt from congress which no doubt will favour the bjp.Anyways, for that matter it is a tough game for congress against sunil kumar.Gopal bhandary is not a mass leader and doesnt have the clout which sunil kumar has.I am not sure about moodabidri, but karkala has already lost the congress seat even before the start of the match.

    DisAgree Agree [2] Report Abuse

  • ediboy, mangalore

    Wed, Apr 18 2018

    Jaimini... tell Amit shah take the catch properly and then smile and celebrate.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Report Abuse

  • Naveen, Netakere

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Losing these two seats still be manageable but party now started feeling under the feet full of loose sand.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jembar Bappu, BAJPE

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Daijiworld perfect and clear write up about twin cities Moodbidri and Karakal constituencies..

    I am sure fight between two persons will be advantage for third person.

    DisAgree [14] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Naveen, kudla

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    That 2 balls will take BJP'S wicket. YENCHAA???

    DisAgree [28] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mahendra Shetty, Mumbai Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    ALREADY GOTHATUND ERENA HIT WICKET AATHINI PANDH...YENCHAA!!!

    DisAgree [14] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anticorrupt, Mangalore, Kwt

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    au no ball ge ...

    DisAgree [5] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mahendra Shetty, Mumbai Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    TWO WICKET GONE WITHOUT FACING A BALL..............YENCHAA!!

    DisAgree [20] Agree [66] Reply Report Abuse

  • Naveen, Netakere

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    two wicket gone without facing a ball is incorrect, two down before umpires and players on the ground

    DisAgree [17] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • roy pinto, mangalore

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    Mahendra
    TWO WICKET GONE WITHOUT FACING A BALL
    WHAT IS THIS ?????
    HERE ALSO FEKU CRICKET .....

    THIS IS Raajneeti HERE BOWLER ,BATSMAN,FIELDER AND SPECIALLY UMPIRE ARE POLITICIAN
    WHAT AND WATCH "picture toh abhi baaki hai"

    DisAgree [29] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sharat, Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    roy pinto, mangalore

    Don't complaint about EVM

    DisAgree [7] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 17 2018

    except evm bjp in drem also cannot win in karnataka

    DisAgree [4] Agree [13] Report Abuse


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Title: Karnataka elections: Karkala & Moodbidri a walkover for BJP?



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