)
The stage has been set for the final battle at the hustings with the deadline for withdrawal of nominations ending on Saturday last. The candidates in the fray are now bracing up for some brisk campaigning and have chosen Monday for launching full-fledged campaigning.
All candidates in Dharwad and Hubli-Dharwad West constituencies till Saturday were keeping to a low profile campaigning as they were busy trying to douse dissidence or wean away rebels. With the dust settling, contestants are chalking out their action plan to reach out to voters while trying to find the means to stay under the radar of the Election Commission.
As of now, the campaigning lacks vibrancy and has been a dull affair. There are no autorickshaws with loud speakers blaring moving around nor are there big processions accompanied by drum beating youths.
Wary of the close watch kept on them by the Election Commission, candidates are asking their supporters and family members to move around the constituency without banners or buntings or flags, and meet voters seeking votes. Some candidates are said to be using the vehicle permission obtained by independents for their benefit.
Using SMS and e-mail for reaching out to voters has been easy for candidates in urban areas and it has been easy for candidates to save time, money and energy, and avoid explanations to the EC officials.
In Dharwad (71), former MLA and Congress candidate Vinay Kulkarni was the first to launch the campaign as he was confident of getting the ticket as he did not have a competitor for the Congress ticket. Close to him is Tavanappa Astagi of the KJP.
All eyes were on sitting MLA Seema Masuti, but her campaigning has remained a low key affair. This has helped Astagi poach the fence-sitting volunteers.
Who were waiting for BJP candidate to invite them for campaigning. Amrut Desai of JD-S has confined his activities to the villages surrounding his home Hangarki-Garag.
The situation is not different in Hubli-Dharwad West. Arvind Bellad of BJP and Ismail Tamatgar of JD-S are taking out padayatras in various localities while KJP nominee Mohan Limbikai is yet to commence door-to-door campaigning. He has met advocates and other professionals in groups.
Veteran Congressman S R Morey's candidature was announced at the last moment and he is busy mustering his supporters.
Actor Tara held a public meeting at Narendra village on Sunday to campaign for Seema Masuti thus trying to give a fillip to the campaigning.
