The Hindu : Karnataka News : Ex-MLAs ponder new strategies

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Tuesday, Feb 19, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Ex-MLAs ponder new strategies

Firoz Rozindar

Delimitation of constituencies will change reservation pattern

Chitradurga: As elections to the Assembly seem likely to be held in accordance with the recent changes effected by the Delimitation Commission, former MLAs in Chitradurga district are busy chalking out new strategies to retain their positions.

The district earlier had seven constituencies, but after delimitation, Bharamsagar constituency has been wiped off the electoral map. This was a constituency reserved for Scheduled Castes since 1972, and was recently represented by H. Anjaneya. Of the three villages in Bharamsagar constituency, Bharamsagar hobli has been attached to Holalkere and Hireguntunoor and Kasaba to Chitradurga.

Reservation

Another factor that could affect political equations is the change in reservation of constituencies. Earlier, Holalkere, Challakere and Molakalmur taluks were under the general category, but now Holalkere has been reserved for the Scheduled Castes, while the other two have been reserved for the Scheduled Tribes. Chitradurga and Hiriyur, which were earlier reserved constituencies, have now been made general.

With the elimination of Bharamsagar constituency, Mr. Anjaneya will have to chalk out a new course of political action. He has not yet decided whether to remain in the Janata Dal (Secular) or to join the Congress, as he is a part of the M.P. Prakash faction. “My next move on choosing a constituency will depend on whether I join the Congress or remain with the JD(S),” Mr. Anjaneya said.

Unsure

Congress leader D. Sudhakar also seems to be at a disadvantage after delimitation, as Challakere taluk, which he represented, has now been reserved for the Scheduled Tribes. Although he tentatively plans to contest from Hiriyur, the possibility appears remote as party colleague and the former MLA for Holalkere A.V. Umapati is also in the fray.

“I leave the issue to the party high command. If I do not get a ticket, I will remain a party activist,” he said.

Aimangala village, which ensured the victory of the former Chitradurga MLA G.H. Tippareddy of the Congress, has been attached to Hiriyur. Turuvanoor, another village in Chitradurga district, has been absorbed into Challakere taluk. “I don’t expect any kind of threat to a Congress victory with the new developments. Since we have got Hireguntunoor and Kasaba, which have been won by the Congress in the zilla panchayat elections, I will not face any difficulty in retaining my position,” said Mr. Tippareddy.

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