Shimoga to witness fierce battle between two former CMs
Shimoga, Apr 23 (UNI) The Shikaripur constituency in Karnataka has evoked curiosity in political circles as two former Chief Ministers S Bangarappa and B S Yeddiyurappa are slated to contest from the constituency for the ensuing Assembly polls in the state.
According to Samajwadi Party (SP) sources, the desire expressed by Mr Bangarappa to contest from Shikaripur constituency had made the BJP anxious which was beaming with confidence over an easy victory for their leader.
Veerashaiva, Kuruba, Lambani and Muslim communities form a major chunk of the population in Shikaripur, who were the supporters of Mr Bangarappa.
Mr Yeddiyurappa belonged to a sub-caste in Veerashaiva community, which formed a small part of the population in the area. Mr Bangarappa's vote bank, comprising Muslims, SCs and STs, was very strong in the constituency, the sources claimed.
Congress ticket to candidates belonging to Veerashaiva communities might result in a split of Veerashaiva votes which would make Mr Bangarappa's cruise towards victory easier.
In this context, Mr Yeddiyurappa had decided to contest from the Tumkur city constituency apart from Shikaripur, the sources added.
UNI
XR
SJ
AE
AS1511