Karnataka - Gulbarga   

Poll candidates literally sweat it out in Gulbarga

GULBARGA: Apart from the strengths of the rivals or their campaign styles that is posing problems, it is the searing heat wave conditions and strict implementation of the model code of conduct which has become a major source of concern for political parties in the run up to the third and final phase of Assembly elections in the northern Karnataka.

The heat wave conditions, particularly in Gulbarga, Raichur and Koppal districts, has reached its peak and the day temperature has touched 44 degrees Celsius now and the night temperature is hovering around 36 to 38 degree Celsius. With the election authorities snooping around the contesting candidates and booking cases for violation of the code of conduct prescribed by the Election Commission, life has become miserable for the candidates and their supporters, who are literally sweating it out for every vote.

Except for Bidar district, which is considered a “hill station” by the people of the Hyderabad Karnataka region, the rest of the Hyderabad Karnataka region will be very hot during summer. Holding elections at the peak of the summer when the day temperature hovers around 45 to 46 degrees Celsius has come under the criticism from political parties.

“The Election Commission has erred in holding the elections in areas coming under north Karnataka in the third phase on May 22,” said the former Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh, who is contesting from Jewargi Assembly Constituency.

Mr. Singh said holding the elections in the peak of summer was wrong and if at all the elections were to be held so urgently, they could have been held in April instead of May. North Karnataka would have been covered in the first phase, he said.

One of the major worries of the political parties is the percentage of polling in the Hyderabad Karnataka districts. While polling is scheduled for May 22 in Gulbarga, Raichur and Koppal go to polls in the second phase on May 16. During the peak of summer in the month of May all the activities come to a standstill in the afternoon owing to severe heat wave conditions and the people prefer to stay indoors. The polling percentage particularly in the urban areas is likely to be low.

Airconditioned tourist vehicles are the most sought after by political parties and private taxi operators are having a field day and have increased the hiring charges considerably.

Owing to shortage of vehicles, leaders have started bringing tourist taxies from Bangalore where the elections are over. Leaders of various parties and candidates are avoiding the taxis from the neighbouring States in order to avoid the election authorities seizing these vehicles.

Despite the fact that hardly 11 days remain for the polling in the district, the election campaign failed to generate any heat in Gulbarga or Bijapur and Bagalkot districts. There is no outward sign of an election being held and the only thing which is visible and felt is the terrible heat wave conditions.

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