DVS banking on Modi against KBG

BENGALURU: The contest in Vokkaliga-dominated Bengaluru North constituency where two Gowdas have locked horns is hotting up by the day. Besides trading barbs against one another, the rival camps are doing all they can to spice up the contest.


Congress candidate

Krishna Byregowda

is reaching out to all sections of voters, including youngsters, working class, senior citizens and even morning walkers. A flash mob organised by his camp last week calling upon people to vote was an instantaneous hit. But the Election Commission stepped in and put the brakes on it, citing the model code of conduct.

On Friday, he hopped on to a Metro train from Nagasandra to Dasarahalli to catch up with commuters. “I had travel to Dasarahalli on my campaign trail and used my favourite mode of transport, Namma Metro. Clean, comfortable and so efficient,” he tweeted.

He met entrepreneurs from small and medium enterprises of Peenya Industrial Area, and discussed the impact of demonetisation and GST, two policies of the Modi government that have deeply affected the business community.

BJP’s DV Sadananda Gowda, meanwhile, is confident of winning, though his electioneering remains subdued. “I’m not going for flashy and noisy campaigning. My electioneering is about a personal touch with voters,” said Sadananda Gowda, who even took a festival break for Ugadi.

Reposing faith in Modi’s popularity, Sadananda Gowda believes the Prime Minister’s rally on Saturday at Bangalore Palace Grounds, which is in his constituency, will give a fillip to his campaign. Sadananda’s trademark smile, even while carrying a mannequin bearing Modi’s mask, has provided fodder for his rivals.

“Sadananda Gowda doesn’t want to show his face to his constituents as he did not do anything in these five years. So, he is showing Modi’s face,” Congress leader Siddaramaiah said during his rallies in the constituency.

Kumaraswamy commented on Modi’s penchant for makeup and style statement. “Modi applies beauty cream so that his face shines, whereas we people take bath once in the morning,” Kumaraswamy quipped at his rallies.