The Mandya Parliamentary Constituency situated in the southern part of Karnataka is emerging as a crucial battleground in the state's political landscape. The main contenders for this seat are former Chief Minister and JD(S) state President H.D. Kumaraswamy and Venkataramane Gowda, popularly known as Star Chandru from the Congress, who is closely associated with Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar.
Mandya district holds significant importance as it is considered a stronghold of the Vokkaliga community, traditionally dominated by the Deve Gowda family and the JD(S). However, the dynamics shifted during the 2023 Assembly elections when Deputy CM Shivakumar managed to sway the community's support towards the Congress.
Kumaraswamy is strategically planning his campaign to regain the Vokkaliga vote bank, with support from the BJP and the momentum of PM Modi's popularity. The upcoming Lok Sabha elections are crucial for him to challenge the Congress party's stronghold in the region. Both BJP and JD(S) are gearing up for a grand display of support during Kumaraswamy's nomination filing in early April, aiming to send a strong message to the Vokkaliga community.
The Mandya Lok Sabha Constituency includes several key Assembly seats such as Malavalli, Maddur, Melukote, Mandya city, Srirangapatna, Nagamangala, Krishnarajapete, and Krishnarajasagar.
In the 2023 Assembly elections, JD(S) managed to secure only one seat in Mandya, while Congress clinched six seats, with one seat won by a Sarvodaya Karnataka Paksha candidate backed by Congress in Melukote. The BJP has never secured victory in Mandya, with Congress emerging victorious in 2013, and Janata Dal winning in 1996 and 1998. However, JD(S) claimed victory in the general elections of 2009, 2014, and 2018. Notably, in 2019, independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh won the seat against Kumaraswamy's son, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, with BJP's support.
The Congress is currently facing backlash due to its decision to release water to Tamil Nadu from Karnataka, impacting farmers in the Mandya region. Although the Cauvery River water issue hasn't traditionally been a major concern in Karnataka elections, the repercussions of water release and the adverse effects on farmers might influence the Congress party's prospects in the area.
Meanwhile, Deputy CM Shivakumar aims to solidify his position as the leader of the Vokkaliga community by securing the Mandya Seat and dominating in other parts of south Karnataka. He eyes the Chief Minister's position, presently held by Siddaramaiah, for the remainder of the term.
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra is actively working in Mysuru to resolve tensions between BJP and JD(S) workers. There are discussions within the Congress regarding a possible change in candidate, considering the formidable presence of Kumaraswamy in the race.
BJP leadership is engaged in negotiations with current MP Sumalatha Ambareesh, who seeks to contest from Mandya on BJP's ticket. Her willingness to contest independently if denied BJP's ticket might not significantly affect the prospects of the NDA candidate.
Securing a decisive victory in Mandya has become a matter of prestige for the BJP-JD(S) coalition.
Congress candidate Star Chandru comes from an industrial and real estate background. Deputy CM Shivakumar reaffirms Congress's confidence in Star Chandru's candidacy, expressing optimism about winning the seat.
Read also | Investigation Initiated: The Demise of Mukhtar Ansari
