The Janata Dal (Secular), which has failed to register a victory in any constituency of Yadgir district since 2004, now has to work hard to fight against Congress and BJP in the coming Assembly elections.
Except in 2004, the party did not win a single seat in the district so far. Former Minister Sharabasappa Gowda Darshanapur, who was in the JD(S) then, was the only candidate who registered victory from Shahapur constituency in 2004. He defeated Congress’ Shivashekharappagowda Patil Shirwal by a margin of 21,230 votes. Currently, Mr. Darshanapur is in the Congress and fighting JD(S) and BJP candidates.
Internal differences
So far, the party has suffered alleged internal differences and lack of coordination among leaders, a party loyalist, has said. He also added that if the leaders come out from their differences and join the hands together to face elections, the party would win more seats of the four constituencies in the district.
District president Nagangowda Kandkur, who is close follower of former Prime Minister H.D. Devegowda, is approaching voters in Gurmitkal constituency for support, after accepting defeat against Congress’ Baburao Chinchansur by a margin of 1,650 votes in 2013. He also unsuccessfully contested in 2008. This time, Mr. Kandkur will fight against Mr. Chinchanur and the BJP candidate who yet to be declared.
Minority community
A.C. Kadlur, from a minority community, is again seeking votes in Yadgir constituency, as he unsuccessfully contested in 1994, 2004 and 2013. He contested in 1994 on BSP ticket and from JD(S) in 2004 and 2013. Now, he is contesting in 2018 on JD(S) ticket.
Ameenreddy Patil Yalagi and Raja Krishnappa Naik, who are the candidates from Shahapur and Surpur constituencies respectively, are facing the first election of their political career. Mr. Yalagi will take on Sharanabasappagowda Darshanapur (Congress) and Guru Patil (BJP) and Mr. Naik will face sitting MLA Raja Venkatappa Naik and former Minister Narasimha Naik.
The recent visits of H.D. Kumarswamy, State president, who addressed public rallies in Shahapur twice and Doranahalli once, had come as a boon to the party workers. However, the question arises of how the leaders, particularly candidates contesting elections, would take the same zeal by approaching voters to win election.
