Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 10: The repeated statements issued by the leaders of Swabhimani Vedike that a consensus candidate would be put up by the Vedike and the Sri Rama Sene against BJP's Sadanand Gowda in the local Lok Sabha constituency, have been proved false. The last date for the filing of nominations passed by on Thursday, but there was no sign of such a candidate here.

Out of the 12 candidates who are in the fray as at present, leading contenders are from the  BJP, Congress, Third Front, BSP and CPI (ML). The other seven are independents. Two of the independents have claimed themselves to be rebel candidates. No rebel BJP candidate has entered the fray from this constituency.

There had been rumours that Pramod Mutalik, Sri Rama Sene leader, would contest the election from here to weaken the chances of the BJP and to win the election, if possible. In the later days, the name of ex-Bajrang Dal state convener Mahendra Kumar came into prominence. Mahendra Kumar later changed his mind and mended fences with the Sangh Parivar.

Some local leaders claim, Mutalik decided against filing nomination, in view of some pending cases against him. One of the courts has issued non-bailable warrant against him.  It would be interesting to watch as to for whom the workers of these outfits work during the election. The claims of a few that the BJP and the Sangh Parivar have convinced the local leaders of these outfits to work for their favour, will be put to test during the electioneering.