Urban local bodies poll: A litmus test for BJP

BANGALORE: Thursday's election to 208 urban local bodies, which is viewed as a semi-final before the assembly polls, is indeed a litmus test for the ruling BJP.
Firstly, the Saffron party's core strength lies in the urban areas, where around 38% of the state's population lives. And the results could be suggestive of the trends of the assembly polls.
The party of today is different in composition from what it was just about a year ago. Former CM B S Yeddyurappa and B Sriramulu have walked out with their supporters and formed their own parties, leaving the party weakened.
The controversies, infighting and allegations of corruption have dented the party's image.
A poor performance will only make it much more difficult for the party to defend itself or run a spirited campaign for the assembly polls. Though the party leaders are maintaining that it's not a referendum, they haven't left any stones unturned in their effort.
The first timers, KJP and BSR Congress, have only to gain. It's come as a blessing for these parties, which were struggling to expand their base. The Congress is riding high on expectations, while the JD(S) is keen to exhibit its hold in the Cauvery belt and presence in other areas.
Besides the parties, the urban local bodies are very important for some leaders. For CM Jagadish Shettar, capturing power at his home town Hubli-Dharwad is crucial. For Congress's CM-aspirant Siddaramaiah, ensuring the party's victory in Mysore city corporation is vital. In Shimoga, Yeddyurappa and Eshwarappa are battling it out to establish their supremacy.
About 85.32 lakh people are eligible to cast their ballot in 208 urban local bodies (excluding Bangalore) -- seven city corporations, 43 city municipal corporations, 65 town municipal councils and 93 town panchayats.
In 2007, the Congress had topped the tally, winning 1,606 wards, followed by JD(S) 1,502 and the BJP 1,180.