The ‘stomach party’ man’s record

Hotte Paksha Rangaswamy had a role in all the elections held in Karnataka between 1967 and 2004. He was known for contesting elections against heavyweights. Though he never won in all his 86 contests, he found a mention in the Guinness Book of Records.

The first time he contested against the former Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiya in 1967. His last battle was against the former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna in 2004. He had even contested against the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the byelection to the Lok Sabha from Chikmagalur (now Chikkamagaluru) in 1978.

Rangaswamy, who was a resident of Bengaluru, was known for carrying a trident always. He named his party Hotte Paksha (stomach party), stressing the need for addressing the issue of hunger of poor people. During the election time, he used to sell foodgrains at a low price. He passed away in 2007.

Interestingly, his career has influenced a person in Holenarsipur — M. Mahesh — who has contested eight elections. This time, he is contesting against JD(S) leader H.D. Revanna as an Independent. Mr. Mahesh refers to Rangaswamy, whom he had met in Bengaluru, as the one who influenced him to contest elections.