Tumakuru, 16 April

As the election fervour intensifies in Karnataka, Tumakuru Lok Sabha constituency in close proximity to Bengaluru is witnessing a showdown between BJP and Congress.

The contest has the BJP's seasoned politician and former minister V Somanna, against Congress' nominee, former judge SP Muddahanumegowda, who was a one-time MP.

A point of contention in this electoral clash revolves around the issue of local representation versus outsider influence. While Somanna hails from Bengaluru, Gowda prides himself on being a local candidate.

"I'm local here and I'm easily available for my Tumakuru people, unlike my opponent," asserted Gowda in an interview with ANI, highlighting the advantage of his grassroots presence in the constituency.

In response, Somanna, didn't hesitate to fire back, taking a jab at the leadership of the Congress. "Who is the leader of Congress? Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. Where are they from?" he retorted, insinuating that Congress' leadership itself is disconnected from the grassroots.
The rhetoric reflects not only the intense competition for the Tumakuru seat but also the broader ideological clash between the two political giants, each vying for supremacy in Karnataka's political landscape.

As the election date draws nearer, the stakes continue to rise, with both parties sparing no effort to sway the electorate in their favour. The battle lines are drawn, and Tumakuru finds itself at the centre of a political storm, awaiting the verdict of its constituents come polling day.
As the political battleground heats up in Tumakuru Lok Sabha constituency, a closer examination of its demographic composition sheds light on the intricate tapestry of voter preferences and community affiliations.

With a total of over 16 lakh eligible voters, the constituency boasts a diverse array of communities, each wielding its own influence in the electoral arena.

According to recent data, the Vokkaliga community constitutes the largest bloc of voters, comprising 15 per cent of the electorate. Following closely behind are the Lingayats, who represent 14.4 per cent of voters, followed by the Muslim community at 9.5 per cent.

Scheduled Caste (SC) voters are split into two significant segments, with SC Left comprising 9.4 per cent of the electorate and SC right making up 4.1 per cent.

Other notable communities include the Scheduled Tribes (ST) at 7 per cent, Kurubas at 6 per cent, Gollas at 5.8 per cent, and Thiglas at 5.1 per cent.

This intricate mosaic of voter demographics underscores the significance of community-based politics in Tumakuru, where candidates must navigate a complex web of affiliations and allegiances to secure electoral success.

As political parties strategize and campaign intensifies, understanding the nuances of these demographic dynamics will be crucial in shaping the electoral outcome and determining the future trajectory of Tumakuru's political landscape.

Tumakuru constituency is slated for voting in the second phase on 26 April. -ANI