BJP and Congress in tight fight in Dakshina Kannada district as election fever rises
Mangaluru: In Dakshina Kannada, a district long dominated by the BJP, the upcoming election is shaping up to be a close contest with the Congress fielding former Union Minister and Senior Congress leader B Janardhan's Pujari disciple Padmaraj against the BJP's candidate, former army officer Captain Brijesh Chowta.
The BJP has made a significant change by denying a ticket to sitting MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and instead fielding Chowta. Both Chowta and Padmaraj hold important positions in their respective parties at the state level, adding to the intensity of the competition.
The Bahujan Samaj Party has announced Kantappa Alangar as its official candidate, adding another dimension to the race in addition to the strong forces of the BJP and Congress.
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Candidates from both parties have begun their election preparations by seeking blessings from religious leaders, but the true nature of the competition will only be revealed after nomination papers are submitted.
Unlike the previous election where both BJP and Congress candidates belonged to the Bunt community, this time the Congress has fielded a candidate from the Billava community, a move seen as an attempt to appeal to a decisive voter base for the BJP. The effectiveness of this strategy will be evident in the election results.
Both BJP and Congress candidates are not grassroots workers of their parties but have used their influence to secure tickets, leading to discontent among some senior leaders. Despite being denied a ticket, Nalin Kumar Kateel has expressed satisfaction with the party's decision, highlighting his achievements as a Member of Parliament.
For B. Janardana Pujari, a veteran Congress leader, this election holds significance as he has been striving to re-enter Parliament after several unsuccessful attempts. The Congress high command has strategically given responsibilities to seniors to avoid upsetting those who were aspiring for tickets.
As election fever slowly rises amidst challenges such as the scorching summer heat and drinking water problems, the battle for Dakshina Kannada district is expected to be closely watched.
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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
