It is an open secret that Bantwal is the laboratory for applying the experimentations of Mr Bhat and it is believed that time and again Mr Rai has been an impediment to Mr Bhat's mind games. With this, Mr Bhat has been thinking of a way to pull down this obstacle and assembly elections came as one of the best options and Rajesh Naik, the BJP's candidate here has been posed as a pawn. Hence many say that it is appropriate to address Mr Naik as Mr Bhat's candidate rather than calling him the BJP's candidate.
Apart from the two there is Krishnappa Poojary from JD(S), Ibrahim Kailara from KJP, Abdul Majeed Khan from SDPI and Lolaksha from RPI in fray and hence most of the political pundits are busy estimating the damage these candidates can make to the contenders from two major parties. However, one cannot deny the fact that Mr Rai, who had been five time MLA and two time minister in the state cabinet, has won the hearts of the people of the region. He has to his credit the fame of bringing maximum funds to the region during the Congress rule and when it comes to developmental works, even his contenders have some words of appreciation. His political excellence was experienced when he managed to sustain the developmental works in the region by bringing adequate funds despite the Congress not being in power. This has made Mr Rai score over others.
As far as JD(S) candidate Kalladka Krishnappa Poojary is concerned, he too has identified himself with various organization and in Bantwal JD(S) only intends to exhibit its strength. While the two major parties are going to fight it out, the parties like the JD(S), KJP, SDPI and others will play a decisive role by dividing the votes of both parties.
During the 2008 demarcation of the constituencies, Vittal constituency was scrapped off and major parts of Vittal were included in Bantwal constituency. These regions have majority of Muslim votes and hence all the parties in fray are only trying to lure the minority voters.
In this scenario, Mr Rai has proved himself as not just a sincere worker but has time and again upheld his respect for secular principles. Without fearing the consequences he has faced the RSS and when Mr Bhat had made provocative speech in Uppinangady and when the Scarf issue raked up in Bantwal, Mr Rai had tried his level best to protect the rights of the minorities. This has made Mr Rai win over the hearts of the minorities as well.
Apart from Muslims, the Billavas, Bunts and the members of Kulala community are living in large numbers here. Since both the Congress and the BJP have fielded Bunt candidates there are possibilities of the Bunt votes getting divided between the two.
From 1957, the Congresss has won nine Assembly elections and from 1985, Mr Rai has registered five glorious victories. The Communist tasted victory once and the BJP won twice. Apart from all the political accomplishments of Mr Rai, the voters here say that it is his simplicity that makes all the difference. At any point of time, the people of the region have the liberty to walk up to him with their complaints and he lends a patient hearing.
With this, one has to only wait and watch if this 'heavyweight' contender will throw away his contenders out of the ring and register another glorious victory.
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