Working a democracy and how

Working a democracy and how

Dinesh Nayak

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Basavannevva Karkikatti's candidature is an ideal in many ways

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Basavannevva Karkikatti

DHARWAD: At a time when money and muscle power and liquor play a key role during elections, here is a candidate who still speaks the language of ideology and idealism.
Basavannevva Sharanappa Karkikatti, Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate from Belvaniki constituency of Ron Taluk Panchayat of Gadag district, is a candidate with a difference. She is a small farmer working along with her husband in the farms for livelihood. But her participation in movements of All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), self-help groups activities and others have made her contest the elections.
It is the only taluk panchayat constituency where the CPI(M) has fielded its candidate, and the local leaders are hopeful of her victory. Belvaniki Taluk Panchayat constituency has Belvaniki and Mallapur gram panchayats, of which Belvaniki is under the CPI(M) rule. “We won here solely because of our pro-people struggle. We wish we will enter the taluk panchayat this time,” said Belvaniki Gram Panchayat president Mahagundappa Angadi.
Going by her enthusiasm, it appears that Ms. Basavannevva may succeed in her maiden effort. But election is not a cakewalk for her, keeping in mind the presence of the powerful candidates of the parties in power. Annapurna Jagapur of the Congress and Rudravva Tali of the BJP are the main opponents and they enjoy comparatively better financial position than Ms. Basavannevva.
As election date is nearing, the parties have begun wooing the voters. “Liquor is flowing like river, and money too,” alleged Mahesh Pattar, CPI(M) leader. He said that the CPI(M) will win if the people shun money and liquor and vote for good governance as they did in the gram panchayat elections where the party won facing all such odds.
Whether Ms. Basavannevva wins or not, her candidature has proved to be an ideal in many ways. She has collected money from the villagers and well-wishers for election expenses. Even the deposit money for nomination has been raised by the public. “We will repay the ‘public debt' in the form of corruption-free administration and people-friendly services,” Mr. Pattar said.

courtesy: the hindu

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