The bypoll to the Koppal Assembly Constituency has come at a time when farmers in the district are busy with the kharif season. Yet, the byelection is expected to witness a battle between two major parties, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The nominations filed by 19 candidates, including 15 independents, have been accepted. Monday is the last date for withdrawal of nominations.
The BJP has fielded Sanganna Karadi while the Congress candidate is K. Basawaraj Hitnal. With both candidates being former MLAs, it will be a straight fight between Mr. Sanganna and Mr. Hitnal to retain their hold on the constituency.
Mr. Karadi has maintained his good image among the voters here ever since he was elected to the State Assembly for the first time as an independent in 1994 Assembly elections. In 1999 Assembly elections, he joined the Janata Dal (United) and defeated his nearest Janata Dal (Secular) rival Mr. Hitnal by a margin of over 20,000 votes.
In 2004 Assembly elections, Mr. Karadi joined the BJP and succeeded in getting party ticket to contest from the constituency. However, he was defeated by Mr. Hitnal, who contested on Congress ticket.
In 2008 elections, Mr. Karadi joined the JD(S) when the BJP denied him ticket to contest from Koppal segment, and he won over his arch rival, Mr. Hitnal.
However in March 2011, Mr. Karadi resigned his membership to the Legislative Assembly and joined the BJP during ‘Operation Kamala' to save the then Yeddyurappa Government. The party rewarded him with a chairmanship but he recently submitted his resignation to the chairmanship when the party decided that he would contest the Koppal bypoll.
It may not be an easy walk for Mr. Karadi this time as he is yet again up against Mr. Hitnal.
But lack of leadership within the district Congress is likely to affect Mr. Hitnal's prospects.
Pradeeep Veerupaksha Gouda, a new entrant to politics, has been fielded by the JD(S). His presence is not likely to challenge the big two.
