Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad   

Candidates go all out in Karwan

By J.S. Ifthekhar

Hyderabad Sept. 23. With just a day left for the campaigning to end, the election scene in Karwan became frenzied in pace and frantic in character, with the Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, hitting the campaign trail on Tuesday to canvass support for the BJP candidate, Baddam Balreddy. As a pulsating build up to the climax, the principal parties went all out to woo the voters. The candidates and their supporters did a bit of aggressive campaigning to cut the ground from under their opponents' feet. The usual promises and impassioned rhetoric was in full play with every candidate seizing the theme `I-am-on-your-side'. However, at the end of the day, the BJP looked much relieved, as Mr. Naidu's whirlwind campaign seemed to tilt the balance in its favour. The Majlis made light of Mr. Naidu's canvassing and said this wouldn't translate into votes.

There are 10 candidates in the fray, including five Independents. But all eyes are on Mr. Balreddy and Mohd. Mukhtada of the MIM.

Will the `Golconda simham', as Mr. Balreddy is called by his supporters, successfully stalk his quarry or will his roar turn into a whimper? That's one question for which there are no easy answers. Though the Majlis has fielded a relatively new face, the party is fighting with its back to the wall to retain the seat held by Syed Sajjad till his death. "There is no room for complacency. Don't underestimate the enemy. Every vote counts," that is vintage Owaisi for you.

There is also the Congress candidate, Amarsingh, and the TRS nominee, K. Krishna Rao. But their chances are rated pretty slim. B. Rama Swamy of the BSP is also not likely to make a dent. At best, they are expected to erode the BJP votes to the benefit of the Majlis. The latter is confident the arithmetic will work in its favour. Pollsters agree that traditional loyalties, captive vote banks and polarisation of votes on communal lines are the factors that count in this constituency. What are the issues in this by-election? Like any other urban segment, Karwan, too, has its share of civic problems. The electorate are more concerned about their immediate problems like power and water shortage. The Majlis' thrust is on continuing the "good work" done by Sajjad, while the BJP harps on "peace and development". The Majlis has neglected the development of Karwan and has concentrated only on certain pockets, says the BJP poll in-charge, Chintala Ramchandra Reddy. This is countered by Mr.Owaisi. The claims and counter-claims continue. But amidst its din, the feeble voice of a contestant is almost lost. Mohsin Bin Husain Lakshari, an Independent, is in the fray for a different reason. He is taking pains to tell the voters not to indulge in bogus voting.

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