The forthcoming Assembly Election 26th April 2004
Choice before the Electorate.
It is well said ‘we get what we deserve to get’, in other
words, it is the electorate who chooses their leader. In this
background, this is just an effort to focus on our Barkur –
Brahmmavar Assembly seat and who would be our representative.
It must be recalled here, the responsiveness rather preferences of
matured voter, of this area, (why not, we hail from the nerve
center of a civilization,) has become a subject for national
debate in the year 1999, - even after national parties –
Congress, BJP, Janatha Dal, fielding their candidates, it was Mr.
Jayaprakash Hegde, an Independent candidate, got elected from
here!
This time too the scene is somewhat similar - with added flavor
with the presence of Mr. Promod Madwaraj, as Congress candidate!
It is equally interesting to watch his mother, Mrs. Manorama
Madwaraj, one time Congress Minister, fielded on BJP ticket, for
Udupi Lok Sabha Seat, wherein this Brahmmavar is one of the eight
assembly seats, is now contesting against Mr. Vinay Kumar Sorake
the sitting MP from Congress Party.
For those who closely watching the political moves, developments,
in Karnataka the two constituencies, the other one is Sorabha in
Shimogga, are of great interest and curiosity and the outcome will
be a matter for studies and analysis.
2004 – the people’s choice:
Son of Retd District Judge Mr. Chandra Sekhar Hegde, Mr. Jaya
Prakash Hegde too was Lawyer by profession after a 4 years stint
in Vijaya Bank – 1973 –1976, plunged into Political arena, also
served as Secretary Janata Party youth wing. He has the rare
credit and honor of lone MLA of this seat, catapulted to be the
Minister for Ports and Fisheries in Late J.H.Patel Janata Dal
Cabinet - 1994-’99. Almost a decade long active presence over
here, in this constituency, Mr Hegde now is hoping for a third
term, who have admirers / friends, supporters everywhere beyond
party affiliations!
If anyone has to give importance to various pre-poll surveys,
Karnataka will have a hung Assembly, though Congress is the
front-runner. In the event of fractured verdict the role of
independent members will be very crucial to form the next Govt.
It is appropriate to write a line or two on other contestants - it
is six cornered contest, practically reduced to three giants in
the fray – old war horse Mr. K.Srinivasa Poojary is trying his
luck on BJP ticket a known figure in party circles. Businessman
Mr. Pramod Madwaraj is the man who may tilts the balance both by
snatching the youth votes and riding high on the popularity of
State Govt. headed by Chief Minister S.M.Krishna.
(In 1999, Congress candidate Mrs. Sarala Kanchan polled 33%
votes compared to winner Hegde’s 39%). Others viz.
Mr.Niranjan Hegde – Janatha Secular, Mr. Sudhakar Shetty – Kannada
Nadu, Mr. Ramesh Hegde – Janata Party are not that impressive and
naturally leaving other three to fight it out.
Constituency the Geo-cultural background:
It is the
Arabian Sea
in the West and river Swarna of Kallianpur and Santhekatte in the
South, up to Kota Saligrama in the North and Mandarthi Kokkarnne
in the East. It is these twin cities of Brahmmavar – Barkur having
almost 20,000 choices of votes, deciding the winner out of
expected 1.47 lakh-registered voters.
Presence of well-known and historical
Temples, Churches Durga’s has regular and special visitors on
special occasions. Caste combination also a factor as Bunts and
Billavas are in majority. Fishermen and schedule tribes swing also
to be watched. An educated assembly with good number of Colleges
and High Schools, also a developing area with only co-operative
Sugar Factory at Brahmmavar. Primarily agriculture is the
occupation; commercial establishments are flourishing on either
side of NH–17 and State Highway to Shimogga via Barkur.
Transportation is well knitted.
Minorities also in good number so is Christian / Muslim votes,
analysis says earlier they voted near en-masse keeping in mind the
development of the place, irrespective of party to a particular
candidate.
Few projects / works to be undertaken:
The Sugar Factory needs a facelift, with huge investment.
Brahmmavar faces water shortage in summer, Low lying places and
agricultural land to be protected from Salt-water influx. Further
road network to be improved / tarred, to connect rural areas.
Fishing industry and development of Bengre-Hungarkatta port,
Barkur needs to be showcased as Tourist destination.
Implementation of proposed small dams at various places including
one at Nagermutt, to facilitate irrigation for second crop.
Broadening of
State Highway to Shimogga. Taking care of infra-structural
requirements of Govt. Colleges etc.
On 26th April while the voter’s cast their right,
surely keep in their mind some of the above factors. We at this
Web-site will not endorse any candidate, it is purely and entirely
your choice and wisdom - but earnestly appeal all to utilize their
franchise as each one of you already part of that enlightened
members of this constituency!
On behalf of Barkuronline,
P.Archibald Furtado,
Muscat,
18th April 2004. |
