Congress turmoil: Loyalists vs rebels

MANGALURU: The forthcoming election to the Legislative Council from Udupi could well turnout to be big battle between AICC general secretary Oscar Fernandes and former minister Jayaprakash Hegde.

Of the two seats in the constituency, the Opposition BJP has entered the fray in one and therefore certain to retain it. For the other seat, however, the contest would be between Mr Fernandes and Mr Hegde though the ruling party has renominated Mr Pratapchandra Shetty for another term.

Mr Shetty’s selection as the candidate annoyed aspirants including Mr Jayaprakash Hegde and Mr Harikrishna Bantwal who are now contesting as rebel candidates. With most party workers convinced that Mr Fernandes was responsible for selection of Mr Shetty, they are certain that Mr Hegde would target the veteran leader.

On his part, Mr Fernandes has been touring Udupi-Dakshina Kannada to ensure the victory of Mr Shetty. Despite Mr Fernandes’ hold over the party, it would not be a cakewalk for Mr Shetty in view of the presence of rebel candidate Mr Jayaprakash Hegde who joined the Congress less than nine years ago but has built up adequate support over the years.

“Mr “Hegde’s clean image, close association with party workers and voters even after his defeat in the election, his commitment to get work done and his down-to-earth nature has made him a famous leader in the region. Before joining the Congress, he won twice as an independent candidate. More than the party, Mr Hegde enjoys good support as an individual,” admitted a senior Congress leader.

The critical question, however, would be whether this support could be converted into votes by Mr Hegde as voters in this election are elected representatives of urban and rural local bodies. “It is true that panchayat members are in large number in this election and they do not come under the whip of any party.

They are free to support Mr Jayaprakash Hegde. Usually panchayat members support based on party lines. Thus votes of panchayat members are very crucial. Time is too less for Mr Hegde to contact members of all panchayats unlike the Congress candidate who has support of party cadre. However, Congress leaders need to concentrate to ensure that all Congress supported panchayat members support the party candidate,” he added.