May(or) the best neta win!

Bengaluru: Rajajinagar, named after the first Indian governor general of India, C. Rajagopalachari, is known for its old world charm and is one of the older parts of the IT City. But with the passage of time, it has been converted into a posh area with high-rise buildings  though there is still a touch of the serenity for which Old Bengaluru was known.

This is one constituency where there are an equal  number of male and female voters. It has been electing the BJP’s familiar face, Suresh Kumar for four consecutive terms and this time too, it will be Suresh Kumar who will be battling it out with the Congress candidate and former Mayor Padmavathi.

Suresh Kumar and Padmavathi are old foes and had clashed in the 2008 Assembly polls which Padmavathi lost by a thin margin. In 2013, she failed to get a Congress ticket and the battle was between the KJP’s Shobha Karandlaje and Suresh Kumar, which Mr Kumar again won. Padmavathi went on to become a BBMP corporator and then  mayor. Having impressed people in the city with her efforts to ensure prompt garbage clearance and felling of trees, besides introducing mid-day meals for pourakarmikas, Padmavathi, the Congress felt, was just the right candidate to take on the seasoned Mr Kumar.

Both of them have been making their presence felt in the constituency by organizing public gatherings and meetings with resident welfare associations. Mr Kumar has realized that this time, it’s not going to be a cakewalk for him as Padmavathi has done her ground work and is constantly interacting with the public besides engaging with youth by organizing sports and cultural events.

Meanwhile, Mr Kumar has also launched his campaign, visiting every area and interacting directly with the common man assuring them that he will make the constituency a household name in the state and the country for its remarkable development.

There are many in the constituency who agree that Mr Kumar has played a major role in developing Rajajinagar as he was elected four times as MLA and did his bit to secure the Metro rail for them. Jayadeva, a granite exporter and a resident of Rajajinagar first block, said, “Suresh Kumar is known to be a workaholic and is dynamic in nature. He has no doubt helped in developing the constituency.

There were numerous storm water drains which were clogged but he ensured that they were cleaned on a regular basis and were covered with concrete slabs. And he also got us Metro connectivity. We should remember that a leader is someone who constantly and effectively engages with the public and Mr Kumar is known for that. People are prepared to elect him this time too, as they know he will work for the development of the constituency.”

But there are discordant voices too. Ram Kumar, a dentist and resident of Basaveshwaranagar said that Mr Kumar focuses on areas where VIPs and top officials reside but not on areas where those belonging to the middle class and lower middle class live. “He has neglected a few parts of the constituency and has not done enough work, this has left people fuming and that will surely work against him in the coming election.”

According to Mr Ram Kumar, one of the main problems is regular water supply. “We do not get water on a regular basis, at times water is supplied once in a week. Our only source of water are private water tankers and they are too expensive. The MLA is least bothered about the problems of the public, yet he claims he meets people and resolves them. We have no idea who he meets and what problems he resolves. This time, we want a change and a new face, who we hope, will work for the constituency,” added Ram Kumar.

 Concurring with him is Lakshmi Bai, a resident of Prakash Nagar, who said, “Apart from civic problems, there is a gradual rise in incidents of crime like robbery and mugging. People feel unsafe after 11 pm. There are numerous software professionals residing in the constituency who finish their shift and come back home late and they are worried that they may be attacked by miscreants. Another  problem is illegal parking of vehicles and illegal dumping of garbage, both these issues need to be addressed on a war footing.”

So Rajajinagar, home to the iconic ISKCON Temple, the historic CITB Tower and numerous marriage halls, is set to witness a battle royale this time. Suresh Kumar is known to be a clean politician who carries none of the taint which many others do but will that be enough to see him through in the  fight with the formidable Padmavathi, who, many in the city remember as the first one to arrive on the scene when there is a civic mess?  There is a churning going on in the minds of voters and one will have to wait till May 15 to know if they will maintain the status quo or throw up a surprise.

BJP’s Mr Clean or Cong’s civic warrior?

Q and A with: Kuresh Kumar, incumbent MLA,                                         Padmavathi, Congress candidate

Rajajinagar is a well known area but is riddled with problems, what are the main issues which you would like to focus on?
Padmavathi - Firstly, water supply is a huge problem across the constituency. I would like to build a ground level reservoir and ensure that there is no dearth of water. I would also like to promote rain water harvesting in big houses, buildings, bungalows and commercial spaces, as the rain water can be saved up and used for miscellaneous purpose. Another major thing I have observed is that there is no proper play ground or an indoor stadium for the youths, if they have to play or organize any tournament, they will have to go to neighbouring constituencies like Mahalakshmi Layout or Malleshwaram. I would want to construct a ground and indoor sports complexes.

Suresh Kumar – Traffic is a concern and the people had asked for a signal free corridor in West of Chord Road and by next year we will a have a flyover, which will ensure smooth flow of traffic. There are no sports facilities for the youths, so we have a sports complex is coming up and tenders are being finalized. Major problem is the slums, who want houses to be built and we will get the work started after the elections are over.

What are your assurances to the people, if you win?
Padmavathi - Firstly, I was the Mayor and have the experience and required skills to work for the constituency. I will be available for the common man and will resolve the issues without any delay. I would like to conduct job fairs and build an ecosystem for start ups in the constituency.

Suresh Kumar – I promise the people, that I will continue doing a good job, as I am doing constantly for the past few years.  I want Rajajinagar to be the most developed constituency in the state. This time, my focus will be on the youth and ensure that they are engaged with me to resolve any kind of problem. 

How confident are you of winning the elections?
Padmavathi - I am 100 % confident and I just want to tell the people that do not waste your vote by not exercising the voting power. Every one should go vote so that an eligible candidate is elected, who can serve for the people. There is a wave of Vote for Change and I will be the change and will win in the coming elections.

Suresh Kumar – I have already covered 60 % of the constituency and have conducted door to door campaign. The response I am getting makes me feel that I will retain my seat.