When the summer heat is peaking across the State, all eyes will be on five candidates, who will be slugging it out under the blazing sun.
These veterans are aged between 81 and 90, a time when many would retire from active politics, or would have been trounced by young guns.
While they are up against much younger candidates, all five have won electoral battles in the past.
Leading the bunch is Congress candidate from Sagar and five-time MLA, Kagodu Thimmappa at 87 years, followed by Congress candidate from Davangere South and four-time MLA, Shamanur Shivashankarappa, at 86.
The former Minister and Congress candidate from Yadgir and five-time MLA, A.B. Maalakaraddi, is 82 years. BJP’s candidate from Hangal and five-time MLA, C.M. Udasi, is 81 years old. One-time MLA and 82-year-old JD(S) candidate Mallappa Chennaveera Managali is contesting from Sindagi in Vijayapura district.
In stark contrast, the prime age group, between 41 and 50, has the largest number of candidates who have filed for nominations at 1,046 of the total 3,374 candidates . The age group 31 to 40 has 854 candidates and the 51 to 60 group has 750 candidates. In the young-age group, between 25 and 30, a total of 242 candidates are in the fray. However, the numbers are going to change once the scrutiny of nomination papers are over as some could be rejected or the candidate voluntarily withdraws from the fray, sources said.
Highest nominations
Meanwhile, Mulbagal constituency in Kolar has seen the highest number of nomination papers filed in the State, with 60, followed by Varuna in Mysuru with 35, Hubballi-Dharwad with 32, and Raichur with 30.
According to Election Commission, a total of 95 constituencies out of 224 constituencies have more than 15 candidates, which means a second balloting unit is needed as one ballot unit can accommodate names of 15 candidates and one for NOTA option.
