Hard for the former CM in the stronghold of Vokkaliga

Mandya: Traditional parties are expected to fight fiercely in the Mandya Lok Sabha polls, with caste calculations, political alliances, and pledges dictating the conversation. H.D. Kumaraswamy, an alliance candidate and former chief minister, is running for office in Mandya for the first time, while Congress candidate Venkataramane Gowda, well known as Star Chandru, may be new to politics but has the support of Minister Chaluvarayaswamy and is politically savvy.

In the past, the Mandya Lok Sabha seat has been won by the Congress 13 times, the JDS 5 times, Praja Socialist Party 1 time, and an independent candidate 1 time. A change in the political landscape occurred with the win of nonpartisan candidate MP Sumalatha Ambarish in the most recent election.

Despite the fact that JDS MLAs controlled all eight assembly seats in the 2019 elections, the Congress-JDS coalition was unable to win.

Seven of the eight assembly seats are held by Congress this time, with JDS holding one.

The BJP-JDS coalition that is now in power has stoked political controversy and prompted inquiries about whether history would repeat itself. With his political influence and charm, HD Kumaraswamy highlights his contributions to the district’s growth and appeals to voters’ compassion, especially in light of his son’s health problems and previous setbacks. Star Chandru uses the state government’s guarantee plans to his advantage, emphasizing his local origins and the support of seven Congress MLAs, while also promising expedited district development.