NANJANGUD BY-ELECTIONS AND DODDA JATHRA MAHOTSAVA

SOM on political beat at N’gud to feel the pulse of people

Nanjangud -The temple town of Nanjangud is a beehive of political activities with the by-election scheduled on April 9.

The election has come as a best time for hoteliers, fruit vendors and florists who are making the most out of it. And as an icing on the cake is the annual Nanjangud Dodda Jathra Mahotsava that will be held tomorrow (April 7) where lakhs of devotees are expected to attend.

While hoteliers are seeing a huge spike in their business from the sale of lunch, dinner and evening snacks, small lodges and private guest houses are occupied by party workers and political leaders. Some enterprising vendors are also offering their houses for a day or two for party workers to stay for a small rent.

Also making hay when the sun shines are florists. “There is a huge demand for garlands, flower petals and flower bunches. The demand touches its peak when State leaders hit the campaign trails. Party workers carry flowers to shower them to welcome their leaders and we get pre-orders hours before the campaign rally,” says Sannappa, a flower vendor.

On an average he makes profit anywhere between Rs. 800 and Rs. 1000 per day due to devotees who come to the Srikanteshwara Temple. Now amidst the Jathra Mahotsava and the elections, Sannappa makes profits up to Rs. 3,000 per day, a three-fold increase.

DEMAND FOR FOOD, WATER: Food is a big business at all hotels and restaurants in Nanjangud. With devotees and  political party workers thronging as early as 7 am for breakfast, hotel workers rise up early to prepare food to cater to the demand. “On an average we get around 100 customers for breakfast and the numbers now touch around 250 to 300. Breakfast goes on till around 11.30 am and lunch after that,” says Ganapathy Bhat who owns a restaurant.

Along with regular items that are consumed inside the hotel, there is a huge demand for parcels. “We get bulk orders for parcels to be shipped to the campaign areas and they are mostly curd rice, khara bath, dosa, vada and idli. Plus there is a demand for refrigerated mineral water bottles,” he adds.

ROADSIDE EATERIES CASH-IN: Not only Ganapathy Bhat’s hotel, roadside eateries too are witnessing good business, especially during evenings when the campaigners return to Nanjangud after a hectic day in villages and surrounding areas.

Party workers and leaders come to the hotels not only to eat but also plan their next strategy to counter the rival party. At one of the hotels visited by Star of Mysore at around 5.30 pm, there were both Congress and BJP supporters sitting across the table savouring dosas and piping hot coffee. The atmosphere was cordial with both of them singing praises on their candidate and State leaders.

Seventy-three-year-old Nanjundaswamy, who has seen many elections, said that it will be a tough fight for V. Sreenivasa Prasad (BJP) and Kalale Keshavamurthy (Congress). “We want development and both the candidates are good and strong in their own might,” he says without predicting who will emerge victorious.

A CLEAR WIN FOR BJP: PRATAP SIMHA: As the conversation continued, Mysuru-Kodagu Member of Parliament Pratap Simha enters the hotel with a host of supporters. “People are fed up of Chief Minister Siddharamaiah’s rule for four years and they are yearning for a change. This election will be a deciding factor for 2018 general elections which the BJP is set to sweep,” he says.

Ordering a bottle of chilled mineral water, Pratap Simha says that the BJP has a stalwart like Sreenivasa Prasad as its candidate and it will be a thumping victory for the party. Touching upon Gundlupet by-elections, he said that the constituency remained underdeveloped despite the people choosing Congress for five consecutive terms.

“PRASAD, A FAVOURITE”: As Pratap Simha left the hotel, former ZP President K.N. Puttabuddhi arrives with supporters and orders set dosas and coffee. “Sreenivasa Prasad is an experienced neta and there are people who worship him for the good work he has done for Dalits and landless poor. Also, after Sreenivasa Prasad came to power, there was a drastic dip in cases that were booked under Atrocities Act in Nanjangud and Mysuru as Prasad has a personal connection with the people. These factors will make him win,” he says.

Next to arrive at the hotel was D. Shankarappa, former ZP Vice-President along with a group of people. By this time it was almost 6.30 pm and the lone hotel waiter was exhausted supplying food to customers and he was also a target of some hungry customers who accused him of supplying food late.

“KALALE HAS GOOD GROUND SUPPORT”: “Kalale Keshavamurthy enjoys good local support and he is accessible to people. He has been doing social work since the last 25 years and this time, people have decided to give him a chance,” says Shankarappa.

At around 6.45 pm, a large crowd arrives at the hotel and it is led by Nagesh Raj, former Taluk Panchayat President. It was time for this crowd to order dosas, khara bath and coffee.

Surrounded by his supporters, all dressed in a politician’s typical white attire, Nagesh says that the voters will continue to bless Congress. “There is no question of supporting Sreenivasa Prasad who quit the party despite enjoying all the powers and privileges. Prasad has forgotten his voters and has been inaccessible. Thanks to CM Siddharamaiah, Nanjangud is seeing development now and the voters will surely support Kalale Keshavamurthy,” he says.

It was 7.15 pm and time up for Star of Mysore to wind up and return to Mysuru.