Sholay fame Ramanagaram to witness triangular contest

Ramanagaram Assembly constituency in Karnataka where the film Sholay was shot is witnessing a fierce triangular battle.

Bangalore, May 2 : Ramanagaram Assembly constituency in Karnataka where the film 'Sholay' was shot is witnessing a fierce triangular battle.

The battle is being fought among former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy of Janata Dal (Secular), Mamata Nichani daughter of the late Ramakrishna Hegde of Congress and Rudresh of Bharatiya Janata Party (B.J. P).

The rocky terrain and hillocks surrounding the silk city reminds of Sholay, Gabber Singh and of course the prevailing flavour of campaigning for the elections.

According to political observers, the Ramanagaram constituency could project a decisive mandate despite the factors of caste and muscle-money power playing certain roles.

The preference of over 1,75,000 voters is crucial for all the three main contenders.

Dissidence has stiffened Congress, while JD (S) seems to breathe confidence in the challenge posed by BJP's Rudresh, reportedly a new entrant.

Talking to ANI during one of her campaigns Nichani admitted that this has been a great experience for her and that she banks upon her father's name.

"A lot of development has happened in the times of Ramakrishna Hegde and S M Krishna and I think the work must go on. We haven't had any governance in the last 14 months. So I am fighting here to make sure people like us must get into the mainstream of politics to make sure the last common person gets the most basic facilities," said Mamta Nichani.

For H D Kumaraswamy , he is convinced that he will win this seat by claiming to have done extensive developmental works for his constituency. In fact, he was instrumental in declaring Ramanagaram as a district,

"Definitely, the women voters and younger generation will vote for me. The manner in which the Government has run, they are actually happy that here is a person who can sincerely work for the people, for the poorer masses. That kind of image I developed in last 20 months. I have full confidence in the women voters and youngsters will give me blessings," said Kumaraswamy.

The BJP has fielded young Rudresh, a Lingayat and he is relying on his community votes.

"Most of the villages lack proper roads and other conveniences. Ration cards, pension for the aged were the issues which were never paid any attention by the earlier rulers. As for my opponents, hardly any of the villagers know Nachani and about Kumarswamy, people are aware of the backstabbing. So it is a Dharma Yuddha for me and I bank on the elders' goodwill," said Rudresh.

People of Karadidoddi in Ramanagaram constituency are very much guarded on their choice and looks at development at an issue.

"All that we need is proper communication, roads, water, rations and oil. So I will choose the one who will assure us of these," said Lingamma, an elderly lady of Kardidoddi village. By KG Vasuki

ANI