Mangalore: BJP plays development card for MCC elections


Mangalore: BJP plays development card for MCC elections

Political Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Mar 2: Campaigning by major political parties is fast gaining momentum for the 60 wards of Mangalore City Corporation which are going to polls on March 7, 2013. For the BJP which rode to power in Mangalore City Corporation for the first time in 2007, putting an end to more than two-decades of rule by the Congress, this election is not going to be a cakewalk. This time the party is fighting anti-incumbency both at the local and state level and the weakening of its strength following the split in the party at the state level, leading to the formation of KJP.

The BJP had won 34 wards out of the 60 in Mangalore City Corporation in the last elections and the party wants to improve its tally in this election. Party leaders contend that in local elections people are concerned more about the local issues because they affect them directly. Therefore, BJP feels that the development work undertaken by the party during its 5 year tenure and the individual work done by the sitting corporators will help the party to romp home to victory.

The BJP has suffered a last minute jolt in its preparation for these civic polls with the resignation of two corporators - James D'Souza from Maroli and Mohan Padil (of home stay attack fame) from Alape. Other than these two quitting the party in an inopportune time the party did not face any kind of bickering, or at least it has not come in the open unlike the Congress.

R Srikar Prabhu, President of BJP Mangalore South constituency unit is confident that the party would come back to power by winning more than 40 seats as against the 34 seats the party had won in the last elections. “We have provided a clean government without any scandals and the money earmarked for developmental work has been used for the purpose. This has resulted in giving better civic facilities to the public”, he stated.

He said Mohan Padil did not inform the party leaders before quitting and James D'Souza who went back to Congress came back to BJP when he failed to get a ticket from there. “This goes to prove that he is not committed to any party and we will ensure that our party candidate Jagadeep Shenoy wins from this ward”, Srikar Prabhu stated.

The BJP has given tickets to 17 sitting corporators for the ensuring elections. The party has also given tickets to candidates who had contested and lost in the last elections and a few new faces are also getting an opportunity to contest.

Whether the BJP will be able to romp home to victory considering that there have been many political and other developments at the local level since 2007, is a million-buck question. It is expected that the results of the civic polls will set the trend for the assembly elections to be held in May this year and BJP is in no mood to risk the advantage that may come from the win in the civic polls.

District President of BJP Padmanabha Kottary says that his party has given tickets to those candidates recommended by the ward committee meant for the purpose. “We go by the recommendations because these committee members are in a better position to assess the candidate so that all those who have not done much to the people will be automatically eliminated”, Kottary stated.

Daijiworld spoke to a few BJP candidates in the fray to know what they say about their probability of winning and also to assess the general mood among the candidates in the party.


Naveenchandra

Naveenchandra is the sitting BJP corporator from Kambla ward (no. 29) who has been the corporator for two terms. He is contesting for the third time and is extremely confident of his victory.

Known for his ability to inspire his dedicated band of party workers, Naveenchandra is known as a no-nonsense candidate always keeping his party interests ahead of his own. Though his name was in circulation for mayor’s post two years back, he missed it but did not complain.

Though there are 4 candidates in the fray Naveen’s main opponent in this election is none other than Ganesh, against whose candidature the BJP had raised objections to the Election Officer, saying Ganesh who owns a shop in a complex owned by MCC had outstanding dues to the MCC. The election officer however, rejected the objections of BJP and has allowed Ganesh to contest. The BJP however, is planning to go to the court after the elections on the issue of false affidavit filed by him.

Naveenchandra who is yet to commence his door-to-door campaigning says “My party has done more for the city’s development in the last five years, than what the Congress did in the last 25 years. My work speaks of my performance”, says a confident Naveenchandra, who is sure of scoring a hat-trick win.


Shakila Kava

Shakila Kava, who was the Dy Mayor of the Mangalore City Corporation for a term, is the sitting Corporator from Padavu West (ward no. 21), a reserved constituency for women. There are five women in the fray here and all these women belong to Bunt community. Her main opponent is Akhila Alva of the Congress. The constituency has about 5700 votes and in the last elections she won by a margin of about 600 votes. Though all the women belong to Bunt community, it is believed that Shakila Kava has the edge over her opponents.

Party workers say Shakila is quite amiable and approachable and she has been very active as a corporator, always available for the people. Speaking about her chances of winning Shakila says “I belong to this Padavu area and during my tenure I ensured that work on concrete road worth Rs. 3 crores is completed and remaining work worth Rs. 2 crores has just begun. It will take another 2/3 months to complete this work”, Shakila pointed out.

Shakila says she wants to make her area a model ward, the no 1 ward in terms of development.


Sudhir Shetty

Sudhir Shetty is the sitting BJP corporator from Kannur (ward no 52). The area has about 55% Muslim population and Sudhir had pulled off a major victory against his nearest Congress opponent Hamid by winning with a slender margin of 22 votes.

There are 5 candidates in the fray from this ward and Sudhir is facing a tough challenge from Congress candidate Umarabba. JD (S) has fielded Vasanth Poojary. CPI and SDPI have both fielded Muslim candidates.

Sudhir Shetty is not worried about who his opponents are. Rather, he wants the people of Kannur to consider the work he has done for their welfare. He says he has been instrumental in getting extension of High School education in the existing school in Kannur. Kannur, he says, has been provided a public library, anganawadi centre, Health centre and many other developmental work during the rule of BJP.

Sudhir says “In civic elections it is always the local issues that matter. For state and national issues there are assembly and parliamentary elections. People are now smart enough to know how to vote for various elections. I feel I have the advantage because I have the support of local people including Muslims who are canvassing for me actively. I have not differentiated on caste, religion or language basis in providing facilities to Kannur”.

 

Anwar Reeko

Anwar Reeko (Hussain) who is contesting from Kudroli (ward no 43) is BJP’s only minority candidate in the fray. In the last election the BJP had fielded Aziz and lost. Abdul Aziz is now contesting in the same ward as a JD(S) candidate and Congress has fielded Shamsuddin to take on Reeko and Aziz.

Reeko who is not very eloquent and answers mostly in monologue, says he has been a BJP worker for the last 9 years and had sought party ticket from the BJP in 2007 also without success. He is confident that whatever social service he has done as an ordinary party worker of BJP will keep him in good stead. Reeko is now pitted against his own brother but he says it is personal choice and their party affiliation has nothing to do with their relationship.

BJP really needs to work hard putting all its manpower to work to ensure Anwar Reeko’s victory.

 

Sumana Sharan

BJP candidate from Padavu Central (ward no 35) is Sumana Sharan who had contested from this ward in 2007 but had lost. Mariamma Thomas, who was BJP corporator for two terms had contested and won as an independent in the last elections, has recently joined KJP but is contesting as an independent candidate from here. It is a reserved constituency for women and Sumana is facing stiff competition from Congress and JD (S) candidates.

Sumana claims she is the first local candidate to contest from Padavu Central. Earlier, corporators like Abdul Aziz who was a four-time corporator from this area and sitting corporator Mariamma Thomas who also doesn’t belong to the area have contested from here. She is determined to make full use of her being a local person.

Sumana says she has nursed her ward as a loyal party worker and the benefits of her good work, she says, will turn into votes in her favour. This ward has about 6093 votes and Sumana Sharan who has been actively campaigning with door-to-door canvassing, is quite confident of pulling off a victory over her firebrand opponent Mariamma Thomas.

 

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Comment on this article

  • Stany D'sa, Mangalore/Dubai

    Tue, Mar 05 2013

    If any one wants peace in Mangalore, please vote any other party except BJP. I prefer congress because they have experience and secular credentials.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sharath Kumar, Mangalore

    Mon, Mar 04 2013

    Vote for development of politicians pockets.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Promises Of Political Parties, Deepak Raj

    Sun, Mar 03 2013

    No One Party Is Promising To Stop Roudism Which Is Going On Publicly In Mangalore,Each and Every City&Service bus Stop A Time Keeper Is Sitting To Maintain The Bus Timing,These Time Keepers Are Members Of Roudy Gang.Construction Industry Goondagiry Is Common.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • ARVIND,

    Sun, Mar 03 2013

    A small suggestion to all my friends...judge a candidate on the basis of what development work they have done to their respective ward.don't vote on the basis of caste, religion, party.

    Made a mistake last time my voting a candidate on the basis of caste and religion for (MANAGUDDA WARD). I have realised my mistake but it was too late.

    Think twice before you vote.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • akshay, Mangalore / Dubai

    Sun, Mar 03 2013

    Why some of you bring cast & religion every time BJP name pops up Vote for party and candidates support development & people welfare when development happens it is done for very citizen not for particular cast or religion we all need good Water , good roads clean environment opertunity to earn live hood and good life selct good non corrupt social workers whichever party they belong to

    DisAgree [3] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Francis, Moodbidri/Dubai

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    Yes Dinesh Poojary BJP sure need campaign to wash their sins front of public hook or by crook, Where congress do not required campaign to tell they are good enough to rule the country. so they quite.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mangalore/Mapusa/Mumbai

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    Jeevan, I was talking about BJP's development........

    DisAgree [7] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Reshmi Salian, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    Development? Yes..BJP is interested only in development. Not the development of state but development of these politicians. If you see the condition of roads, electric supply and other basic necessities it will be clear what development they are talking about. Forget about Bangalore...Bangalore is labelled as garbage city of India. Mangalore has become famous for church attacks, attacks on minorities, communal disharmony and attacks on unarmed men and women. These politicians should try to address these issues first. We are fed up of all these fake claims by these political parties. Whoever rules Karnataka, result will be the same unless people go to the roads and protest against the government.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    Asif Iqbal, Kinnigoli/Jubaile

    Ground assesment report is not favourable for congis.. to know the reality Wait till counting day.. be online without fail..

    DisAgree [15] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Asif Iqbal, Kinnigoli/Jubaile

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    jeevan you are right....

    MCC is reserved only for BJP. not in Ruling only for opposition Party

    DisAgree [7] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • KRPrabhu, Kudla/Bangalore

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    In Kodical area which is very close to MCC office/city,though under ground drainage pipes have laid 4 years back not yet made operational reasons unknown to public.Hundreds of households are depending on drainage pits.Nobody has the idea of pollution created in the long run for ground water source.Yet our achievement is 'Nirmal Gram award'.I reqquest the people to vote good candidates only based on their past performance irrespective of party affiliations.No parties are good but candidates are good and dependable.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Asif Iqbal, Kinnigoli/Jubaile

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    BJP Looting mode
    Congress sleeping mode
    JDS saving the election deposit mode

    DisAgree [7] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • shahnawaz kukkikatte, dubai/udupi

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    Development of what??? party or person or ward or block or taluk or district or state or nation???? past or present or future?? Nothing is clear.. Dear voters dont waste your vote.. we didnt get any thing from parties, but we got something from the persons holding the post.. so see, analyse and look at the credentials of the person irrespective of the party and vote for him so that you elect the most deserved one who can do something for your locality.....

    DisAgree [7] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    Today only 2 comments are worth to read and not baised.. Mr. Rashid & Allen..

    DisAgree [14] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL.K.PERINJE, PERINJE-YANBU/KSA

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    Dinesh Poojari....wonderful quote!!I tell you what?Can we go like this... BJP IS IN DEFENSIVE MODE and CONGRESS IS IN OFFENSIVE MODE...(not in Mangalore only but through out Karnataka)I know,You may accept in private but not in public.(anti-incumbency factor is another mode)

    DisAgree [14] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • M H Rashid, saudi Arabia

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    Boycott elections, at present not a single party is honest.. all are corrupt.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • George D'Souza, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    EXCEPT SOME CONCRETISED GOOD ROADS NO DEVELOPMENT AT ALL.ROADS ARE CONCRETISED WITHOUT FOOT-PATH.HOW THE PADESTRIANS HAVE TO MOVE IN THE MG OR CITY CENTRE ROAD.HAPANKATTA CIRCLE,NANTHUR AND KPT JUNCTION REALLY NEEDS FLY OVER.JUST SEE THE TRAFFIC PROBLEM IN NANTHUR AND KPT JUNCTION.WHAT MANGALORE CORPORATION IS DOING.TO EXPERIENCE THE PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT IN MANGALORE PLEASE TRY TO MOVE IN THE CITY AT PEAK HOURS....YET PLEASE TAKE PART IN THE VOTING AND ELLECT A CANDIDATE WHO COULD WORK FOR THE PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR AREA

    DisAgree [7] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    Jossey Saldanha, Mangalore/Mapusa/Mumbai

    Roads without footpath, Electric connections without power, Pipelines without water.
    Be honest guys - Is that the meaning of the word development..

    SINCE 1947 CONGI ARE IN POWER TILL NOW THEY FAILED TO PROVIDE BASIC AMENTITIES... ARE THEY FIT TO RULE...

    DisAgree [27] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aleem, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    Kindly List the Developments Please..!! Coz i Could not see any in MLORE.. Except Fighting for Power n Blaming on Each Other..!!

    DisAgree [10] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mangalore/Mapusa/Mumbai

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    Roads without footpath, Electric connections without power, Pipelines without water.
    Be honest guys - Is that the meaning of the word development......

    DisAgree [15] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bryan, Bahrain

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    Let anybody win, No party is going to feed me for free.They are all same Good For Nothing.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    Allen, Mangalore

    Good comment.. i too endorse

    DisAgree [5] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Samay, mangalore

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    WHERE IS MR. FRANKY MONTEIRO ....MISSING NOWADAYS.....I THINK HE IS STILL IN A CONFUSION AS TO WHOM HE SHOULD SUPPORT KJP or BJP !!!!!!!

    DisAgree [6] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Allen, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    Give a careful look at the candidates of your ward and vote the best of them as your representative. Plz don't go by the party. If you feel that your present corporator is useless, send them home irrespective of their party affiliation. Very important thing, please take part in voting with your family without fail.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [66] Reply Report Abuse

  • viju, mangalore

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    election suranaga pura partydala nakkraa surapund..

    DisAgree [3] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Abrar, Mangalore

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    Well, i would vote for the party by which i can ensure i can take my sister and cousins for a outing with ease.

    DisAgree [16] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dinesh Poojary, Kundapura/Bengaluru

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    BJP is in CAMPAIGN MODE.

    Congress is still in SLEEP MODE.

    DisAgree [70] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    No doubt voters are angry with Congi.. waiting time to teach lesson to congi..
    Even stray dog bites Congress leader D K Shivakumar while he was campaigning for Local Body elections in Kanakapura....

    DisAgree [86] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Sat, Mar 02 2013

    MCC is reserved only for BJP....

    DisAgree [102] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Mangalore: BJP plays development card for MCC elections



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