Karnataka Elections 2018: Clash of the titans
katta
Shivajinagar will see a fierce battle between
Offering a thrilling poll battle, Shivajinagar, a trading and residential hub at the centre of
Incumbent MLA from
Interestingly, it was from Shivajinagar that Katta had made his political debut.
Roshan Baig used to contest from
the leaders contested against each other and Baig, then with the Janata Dal, had defeated
Despite their political differences, both Baig and Naidu remain good friends. According to political observers, it was this bonhomie that helped both the leaders over the years.
“The constituencies represented by both the leaders were such that they required each other’s support. As Jayamahal constituency lost its existence, parts of it were added to both Hebbal and Shivajinagar constituency. While Katta had enough support in Shivajinagar area, Baig had sway over some of the area in Hebbal Assembly,’ said a political observer.
In spite of his prolonged absence from his earlier home turf —Shivajinagar, Katta Naidu has considerable clout in the area. His close bonding with the Tamil-speaking population is said to be an added advantage, according to BJP insiders. Though both the RSS and a few senior BJP leaders wanted to field corporator Gopi, the saffron brigade thought that Katta Subramanya Naidu would be the suitable candidate to take on Roshan Baig as he had
already lost his Hebbal seat to Narayanaswamy.
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However, it would not be an easy task for Katta as well.
Focussing on health, sanitation and other aspects, Minister Roshan Baig had considerably well and works have been received well by the people of the constituency.
Being a minister in the state cabinet, Roshan Baig has got several other infrastructural projects to the constituency, giving it a modern touch. Easily accessible to voters and considerable vote share of Muslim community are some of the strengths of Baig in the constituency.
Yet, the BJP is determined to wrest the seat from the Congress.
The JD(S), despite its repeated attempts over the past few years, has failed to get a foothold in the constituency. While the constituency also has a few independent candidates, the fight will be between Roshan Baig and Katta Subramanya Naidu.
“It will be one of the fiercest poll battles this election. Both the leaders have considerable base in the constituency. It remains to be seen which way the electorate will swing in Shivajinagar,” said a political observer.
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