Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Mar 9: As the countdown begins for the announcement of the 2024 general elections, all eyes are now on the candidate selections of all parties. Udupi Chikkamagaluru might be one of the seats where the Congress is attempting to reclaim its legacy by bringing back J P Hegde into the party.
In the past two Karnataka State Assembly Elections in 2018 and 2023, the BJP swept all five seats in Udupi and secured four seats in Chickmagaluru, with Congress winning one seat. However, in the 2023 elections, Congress regained momentum in Chikkamagaluru.
News is circulating that the Congress party high command is making efforts to bring back Hedge to the Congress fold and offer him the seat. It appears that the high command is close to achieving success in this matter. However, the current leadership of the Congress in the local Udupi and Chikkamagaluru regions has expressed strong opposition to this move. Several local leaders in the area are engaged in discussions with the high command to secure the seat, according to sources. This opposition presents an obstacle to Hegde's potential return.
Followers of Hegde across party lines are eager to see him as their candidate and have already started efforts to mobilize support for his potential candidacy.
Behind the decision to bring back Hegde to the Congress, the party high command likely has future calculations aimed at regaining momentum in the region. The party is in dire need of strong leadership at the district level, particularly considering the perceived underperformance of the current leadership during recent elections.
With the return of Hegde, the Congress aims to reclaim its former glory and legacy in Udupi. Hegde is seen as the only leader capable of restoring the Udupi Congress to its past prominence. Despite the presence of other leaders in the Udupi Congress, the party has been unable to secure a single seat in the last two elections. Hegde's return is viewed as a strategic move to revitalize the party's prospects in the region.
Political thinker Kokkarne Surendranath Shetty also comments on the lack of leadership within the Udupi Congress, stating, "The absence of strong leadership within the Udupi Congress is evident. While there are individuals holding various positions, they lack the capability to effectively lead the party. A lack of cohesive leadership is a significant issue for the party. However, the anti-incumbency sentiment against the sitting MP presents an opportunity for Congress if effectively capitalized upon. With Congress securing victory in Chikkamagaluru, attention must now be focused on winning the four constituencies in Udupi. This will largely depend on candidate selection. Congress appears to be in a state of confusion regarding whether to nominate a party member or recruit an outsider as a candidate. It is imperative for the party to address this dilemma."
Hegde's strong grassroots connections with party workers, local politicians, and well-known figures at the regional, state, and central levels make him a formidable leader. Moreover, he commands respect and support across party lines, with followers and well-wishers regardless of political affiliation.
As a minister 25 years ago, Hegde initiated the development of Udupi district and dedicated considerable effort towards advancing various developmental projects, whether in power or not. His vision for the district's development was forward-thinking and ambitious, although he faced challenges in fully realizing his plans. Despite this, his contributions laid the groundwork for future development initiatives in the district.
Hegde possesses extensive knowledge of administration and bureaucracy, coupled with a low profile yet profound understanding of various issues. Having won independently twice from the Brahmavar constituency, he has demonstrated his electoral prowess. During his tenure as MP, he showcased exemplary performance and exhibited a clear vision for the development of the constituency. With his leadership qualities, Hegde has the potential to effectively rebuild the Udupi Congress from the grassroots level upwards.
"As voters, we seek a candidate who can genuinely represent our aspirations in the legislative house and be accessible to us. Jayaprakash Hegde has yet to declare his intentions clearly and has not yet joined the party. It is essential to consider the opinions of local leaders before any decisions are made. Despite being projected as a candidate on social media and elsewhere, the Congress high command is awaiting a definitive approach. If Hegde is declared as the candidate, local leaders must comply with the decision of the state high command. Hegde has contested elections three times, all under the Congress banner. He possesses a strong support base and played a pivotal role in the formation of Udupi district. Furthermore, he holds considerable influence in Chikkamagaluru. However, he faces opposition from both the BJP and Congress parties," opined Kokkarne Surendranath Shetty.
If sitting MP Shobha Karandlaje secures the ticket from BJP and Hegde represents Congress, the collaboration of Congress party workers and district leaders could indeed significantly bolster the party's chances of victory.
Indeed, all speculations may come to an end in a couple of days with the announcement of the party candidate.
It appears that the BJP is almost certain to nominate Karandlaje, for the ticket. However, they are still awaiting some calculations before making an official announcement. Meanwhile, Hegde emerges as the most capable candidate to stand in opposition to Karandlaje.
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