BJP, Cong Bank on Davanagere Folklore to Clinch Victory But Caste Arithmetic, Development Remain Key Poll Planks

There is a folklore about Davangere in central Karnataka – whoever starts his campaign from here, wins the election. Both the Congress and the BJP certainly depend on it.

It was in Davanagere that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi The state held its mega convention as the grand finale of BJP’s ‘Vijay Sankalp Yatra’. This is also the place where Siddaramaiah celebrated his birthday which became a show of unity with DK Shivakumar and both. Rahul Gandhi Being present.

However, with the mood changing and both the BJP and the Congress facing off, both the parties need more than luck.

Of the 25 constituencies in central Karnataka and the Malnad region, the BJP has 20 seats and the Congress five. As News18.com drove through Davanagere, once known as the Manchester of Karnataka, it was clear that the main issue now is development. The BJP, which has announced several projects here, is hoping to make it an election issue. But Hindutva is also an issue that neither the BJP nor the Congress wants to leave. Proximity to Tumkur, a monastery-dominated area, is another reason why the BJP hopes it can hold on to its saffron bid.

Nagaraj, who makes Benne Dosa – something Davanagere is identified with – says: “We want better rates, better opportunities. Politicians talk about religion and caste but for us better job opportunities matter keep.”

The Congress relies on its development pitch and announcements, but also hopes to get the caste arithmetic right. While the BJP is counting on consolidating Kurba and Lingayat votes, the Congress is focusing on SC, ST and Muslim votes. But there’s a spoiler. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has started its campaign from Davangere and it can harm the Congress more than the BJP.

News18.com caught up with 91-year-old Shamanur Shivashankarappa, who is contesting from Davanagere South. He calls change and development a mantra. But can he do so at his age and when the BJP is pushing the youth? “I’m a running horse. I win races. I’m built to win races,” he replies with a smile.

For now, the BJP hopes that fresh faces and emphasis on development projects will help them win the race.

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