As their car reaches Beerenahalli village, Prajwal R. and Suraj R. step out to be welcomed by a group of Janata Dal (Secular) activists. Curious village residents gather around the vehicle to see them from close quarters.
Mr. Prajwal and Dr. Suraj, sons of JD(S) leader H.D. Revanna, have been campaigning for their father in the Holenarsipur constituency for the past one week.
They leave their residence at Holenarsipur around 7.30 a.m. Party workers follow them in another car. Their driver carries a list of villages to be covered. The brothers greet old men and women with folded hands and shake hands with the youth.
Mr. Prajwal seeks votes for his father highlighting the development programmes implemented. On Monday, they visited Mallapanahalli and Beerenahalli. Even as they are having breakfast, a few village residents offer them tender coconuts.
A physically disabled youth approaches him seeking help to find a job. Mr. Prajwal tells him that the JD(S) is concerned about the welfare of the physically challenged.
“Ours is the only party to field a physically challenged candidate in the elections. Kumaranna [his uncle and tformer Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy], held a special rally for them. If we come to power, we will take care of you people.”
Dr. Suraj, who is pursuing M.S. ( General surgery), examines an old man at Beerenahalli who has fractured his left hand. Impressed by the brothers’ show of concern, people promise them that their father will definitely win and advise them not to toil in the hot weather.
Mr. Prajwal is more familiar among party activists than his elder brother. A graduate in engineering, he has been participating in political meetings for the past six months.
Familiar
He is familiar with villages in Belur and Holenarasipur constituencies. It seems this 23-year-old youth has plans to join politics. “Our family members entered politics only when people wanted them to do so. If people want me to enter politics, I may have to listen to them,” he said. However, Dr. Suraj does not have any such plans.
Mr. Prajwal has not limited his campaign to Hassan. He has plans to campaign in neighbouring Chikmagalur district too. “People know that Mr. Revanna has brought many development projects to Hassan district. They believe that their constituencies will be developed only if JD(S) candidates win,” he signs off.
