Karnataka: Wannabe poll candidates take sporting route to winning votes

MYSURU: Even as the countdown has begun for the assembly elections, ticket aspirants are going the extra mile to woo voters. From sponsoring local sporting events to arranging all-expenses-paid trips for influential community leaders to Goa or religious sites, wannabe candidates are leaving no stone unturned to let the voters feel privileged.
Leaders, irrespective of their political affiliations, make it a point to be a part of every celebration, festival and sporting activity in order to stay connected with voters – particularly in rural constituencies. For instance, in Hunsur constituency, currently held by Congress, likely candidates are cashing in on local festivals to garner the support of young voters and are sponsoring cricket, volleyball and kabaddi events.
These are conducted as part of various fests, including Rathnapuri Jathra and Ramenahalli Jathra. Over the last two months, sponsorships have been provided for sporting activities through the temple committees. Congress MLA HP Manjunath, JD(S) candidate HD Harish Gowda, and BJP leader Somashekara are likely to be in the race from Hunsur.
Manjunath, a three-time winner from Hunsur, had lost to AH Vishwanath of JD(S) in 2018, but went on to win the by-election in December 2019. If Manjunath gets the party symbol, it will be his fifth electoral battle.
Harish Gowda, the vice-chairman of Karnataka State Cooperative Apex, is a first-time entrant into electoral politics. His father GT Deve Gowda had won in 2004 on a JD(S) ticket. Harish, who also heads the MDCC Bank, is now challenging the incumbent as his candidature has been confirmed.
Somashekara, who had unsuccessfully contested the election the last time on a JD(S) ticket, is now with the BJP and is likely to get the party’s nod in Hunsur.
Somashekara, however, had a word of caution. Speaking to TOI, the BJP leader said that an overwhelming majority of voters in Hunsur do not fall for the promises made by the political parties. They are selective in choosing their leaders.
Followers of political parties say sponsoring sporting activities during elections can be effective as it serves an opportunity to reach out to the masses, particularly the youth voters.