With 23 candidates in fray, a record number of candidates are contesting in two constituencies for the first time in the history of Kodagu.

Along with the national parties and regional parties, equal number of Independents are trying their luck in the Assembly polls.

As many as seven Independents are contesting in Madikeri constituency. They are C V Nagesh, Santhosh Kumar, Rafeeq, M A Nizamuddin, B C Nanjappa, Guruprasad, Hareesh Poovaiah. Other candidates are K M Lokesh (Cong), Appachu Ranjan (BJP), S P Mahadevappa (BSP), Vanajakshi (CPIML), B A Jeevijaya (JDS), K M Basheer (JDU) and Shambhulingappa (KJP).

Three Independents

In Virajpet constituency, three Independent candidates are contesting. They are — David, Maranna Dilip Kumar and D Uday. The other candidates are — B T Pradeep (Cong), K G Bopaiah (BJP), D S Madappa (JDS), Chengappa (CPIML), Janith Ayyappa (BSR Cong) and Usman (SDPI).

Only three candidates had contested from Madikeri constituency in 1957. Five candidates had contested in 1962, 1972, 1978, and 1999, while six candidates had contested in 1967, 1983, and 2004. At least nine candidates had contested in 1985, 1994 and 1989, while eleven candidates had tried their luck in the 2008 elections.

Straight contest

Only two candidates had contested from Virajpet constituency in 1957 and 1967.
Five candidates were in the fray in 1962, 1989, 1994, and 2008. Three persons had contested in 1972, 1983, 1985 and 2004.

There are nine candidates in fray for May 5 Assembly polls.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri, DHNS – April 23rd, 2013