Will Varuna bless Siddaramaiah?

All eyes are now focussed on the Varuna constituency in Mysore district. For the political heavyweight of the Congress, Siddaramaiah, being projected as the Chief Ministerial candidate, this is probably a battle for his political survival. It is not just a matter of pride for him that he should retain his seat, but his victory alone could lead to the chief ministers' 'gaddi'.

Besides being the Opposition leader, he is burdened with the task of campaigning for other Congress candidates. Again, it is only a majority win of the Congress that can fulfil his aspiration to head a Congress government in Karnataka. Right now he is busy campaigning at vital constituencies, leaving the canvassing in Varuna to his son Rakesh Siddaramaiah and other party leaders. He may join his son in a day or two to turn up the heat.

Following the reorganisation of constituencies, Varuna came into existence as a constituency in 2008. The Congress leader chose Varuna after giving up his favourite Chamundeswari constituency from where he had won five times, including in the 2006 by-election. Siddaramiah had scored an impressive win from this new segment in 2008 against his rival, former Director General of Police L Revanasiddaiah, who has now shifted his loyalty from the BJP to Congress, and is actively canvassing for the former deputy chief minister. Another senior police officer Shankar Bidri too is soliciting votes for Siddaramaiah.

The constituency is split across three taluks - Nanjangud, T Narasipur and a major portion in Mysore taluk, which was earlier with Chamundeswari. Siddaramaiah's native village, Siddharamanahundi, is a part of his constituency in Mysore taluk. Varuna has 194,893 voters, an increase of over 5,000 voters this time.

A record number of 27 candidates are in the fray in this election, including Siddaramaiah. Former Chief Minister Yeddyurappa's close aide Kapu Siddalingaswamy who has been nursing the constituency for the last three years is posing a challenge to the Congress leader.

Unlike Siddaramaiah, for the Karnataka Janata Paksha (KJP) candidate, whose rise is being described as meteoric, it is the first Assembly election. For former chairman of the Karnataka Exhibition Authority S D Mahendra (BJP) and retired police officer Cheluvaraj (JD- S) too it is the first Assembly election and most contestants are considered 'light-weights' compared to Siddaramaiah for whom it is the ninth Assembly election. Thus, it is said to be more or less a straight contest between the Congress and the KJP.

Once the seasoned Siddaramaiah takes up campaign into his hands personally, things are expected to consolidate favourably for him.