BELLARY: Come Sunday, and the victor of the much-hyped Bellary byelection, which went to the hustings on November 30, will be declared.The result of the byelection, which has attracted nation-wide attention and is being fought for the “prestige” and “political survival” of some, is expected to mark a change in the course of major political parties, the BJP, Congress and JD(S).With the state government completing a major portion of its five-year term, importance has been attached to the byelection with the hope that it could affect the government. Factors such as the major contenders — P Gadilingappa (BJP), B Ramprasad (Congress) and B Sreeramulu (Independent) — exuding confidence about their victory, not to mention the large-scale betting in the region, calculations of parties and the district administration’s preparedness for the smooth conduct of counting process, have aroused the curiosity of the people.By supporting former minister B Sriramulu, former CM H D Kumaraswamy hopes to encash on the former’s support in in north Karnataka. Also, with Sreeramulu reportedly basking in the support of more than 15 legislators, the state government could be headed for jeopardy, as the JD(S) is said to have prepared for another tirade against the BJP.The increase in the quantum of votes this election has been a source of worry among the candidates. While the last assembly elections, in 2008, recorded 58 per cent polling percentage, it shot to 71.65 per cent this time. Since all candidates belong to the ST community, their support from the other communities was very much expected. It is said that if the Congress can bite into a major chunk of the minority vote bank, it could dent Sriramulu’s prospects. The Lingayats’ support to the BJP is undeniable, as long as Yeddyurappa remains at the helm of the party affairs. Also, a Sriramulu victory could lead to political polarisation —read more trouble for BJP.Regardless of the victor, the verdict is sure to be etched on the annals of the political landscape of Karnataka.
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