Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation polls: Change of guard leaves ticket aspirants confused

HUBBALLI: Change of guard in the state has worried ticket aspirants for Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation polls.
Over the years in Hubballi-Dharwad there were only two main leaders — Union minister Pralhad Joshi and former chief minister Jagadish Shettar — who were the decision makers. Now with Basavaraj Bommai at the helm, political equations have changed.
Now, new minister Shankar Patil Munenakoppa, a confidant of the CM, will play a major role besides Hubballi-Dharwad Mahanagara Jilla BJP president Arvind Bellad and BJP state general secretary Mahesh Tenginkai. Shettar and Joshi will also have a say in ticket distribution.
An aspirant from Central constituency said, “For us, former CM Jagadish Shettar’s word is final. However, since Shankar Patil Munenakoppa is a minister from a rural district, his opinion might be considered by the party. Hence we went to him and Mahesh Tenginakai and Arvind Bellad and requested him to give us tickets.”
Mahesh Tenginkai said, “Many aspirants for the HDMC elections have approached me for a ticket. After hearing them I tell them that the core committee consisting of Jagadish Shettar, Pralhad Joshi and others will take a call on finalising candidates. I normally avoid meeting workers and aspirants personally at home and ask them to meet me in the office,” he added.
Along with aspirants’ active participation in party activities, recommendation from district ministers, state-level party leaders, RSS senior office bearers and local leaders matters in getting a ticket, said an aspirant.
Minister Shankar Patil Munenakoppa said, “Many have approached us for tickets. The district core committee of the party will take a call on this after discussing with senior leaders including Jagadish Shettar and Pralhad Joshi.”
Besides, aspirants are also seeking help of celebrities and social organisations to get a ticket by sponsoring breakfast/lunch at social gatherings.
Dr Abhay Matkar, former president, Indian Medical Association, Hubballi, said, “ A doctor has sought IMA’s help to get a ticket from a party. However, we are checking his contribution.”
Amrut Ijari, convener, Mahadayi Kalasa Banduri Horata Samanvaya Samiti, said, “Many aspirants are seeking our help to get a ticket from political parties, particularly those who joined us in Kalasa-Banduri agitation. As a matter of courtesy, we are putting a word before their leaders. But we will not interfere or pressurise any party,” he added.