In the 2013 Assembly election, the BJP won only in one of the eight Assembly segments of Vijayapura district. Ramesh Bhusnur, Sindgi MLA, became the lone legislator for the party in the district.
Now with the party gearing up for the next election, the list of aspirants is getting longer. The BJP so far has cleared names only for two constituencies – Sindgi and Babaleshwar.
While Mr. Bhusnur is almost certain to get the ticket for being a sitting MLA, Vijugouda Patil, the bête noire and strongest political rival of district in-charge M.B. Patil, is the only aspirant.
In Vijayapura city, many BJP leaders, including former MLA Appu Pattanshetty; former District president Chandrashekhar Kavatagi; Corporator Raju Magimath; and district vice-president Suresh Biradar are trying to get the ticket.
Meanwhile, MLC Basanagouda Patil Yatnal who was sacked from the BJP for anti-party activities, is also trying to return and get a ticket.
In Basavanabagewadi, the fight is getting intense between former Minister S. K. Bellubbi and BJP leader Sangaraj Desai. It may be noted that Mr. Desai had contested on a KJP ticket in the past from the same taluk.
In Indi also, the BJP faces a similar challenge. Prominent candidates are former MLA Ravikant Patil, district vice president, Dayasagar Patil, Srishailgouda Biradar who lost on BJP ticket in the last election, district general secretary, Ravikant Bagali, etc.
In Muddebihal, the party is looking for a strong candidate to take on the sitting MLA and seasoned politician C.S. Nadagouda of the Congress. The aspirants are R.S. Patil, Mangaladevi Biradar, Prabhugouda Desai, Kashibai Rampur etc.
In Devarahippargi the BJP is making all efforts to win after Congress MLA A.S. Patil Nadahalli quitting the party and deciding to contest from Muddebihal on a JD(S) ticket. The aspirants here are Somanagouda Patil Sasanur, Rajugounda Patil and Kashinath Mashibnal.
In Nagathan reserved constituency, former MLA and district president Vithal Katakadonda; MLA Govind Karjol’s son, Gopal Karjol; and a relative of MP Ramesh Jigajinagi, Nagendra Mayavanshi are the main aspirants.
