Mysuru: Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency could well bolster the prospects of Congress candidates in a couple of parliament seats in the state besides influencing the voting pattern in Kerala, says senior leader, Seetharam B.
The leader, who has served as chairperson of Bhovi commission, and hailing from Kabini colony in H D Kote taluk, a mere 100 meters away from Wayanad district but separated by the river Kabini, said Mr Gandhi’s presence in the neighbouring area would inspire voters, including scores of tribal people, agricultural labourers and those speaking Malayalam-speaking residents of Antharasanthe, Karapura, Baavali, Machchuru, Gundaththur besides Gundlupet town and other parts of Chamarajnagar district (Chamarajnagar constituency) much to the delight of Congress candidate Mr R Dhruvanarayan.
He said Mr Gandhi would also impact the pattern of voting in Madikeri, Gonikoppa, Virajet, Kushalnagar, Periyapatna, Hunsur and elsewhere in Mysuru Kodagu constituency where former minister C H Vijayshankar has entered the fray as Congress candidate.
The Congress president would also be able to influence voters in Mangaluru and other coastal areas including Udupi, besides families of those employed in UAE and other countries.
Mr Seetharam said Mr Gandhi has made a calculated move to contest from Kerala in an effort to win over Hindus who were tilting towards the BJP in recent times.
Meanwhile, higher education minister and JD (S) leader Mr G T Devegowda too felt Mr Gandhi’s presence in Wayanad would help secure more votes for the Congress- JD (S) coalition in Karnataka.
Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analyses et all. Happy reading.
