assembly elections

The leaders we choose are reflective of the kind of society we are. Hemachandra Sagar is an example of one those Bangaloreans who boast of being a local and well-known in Bangalore. However he did not have much to say on the difference he has made as a man in power in the last five years. But it is us who voted for him; I wonder if his flip attitude towards his responsibilities and his arrogance tells us a bit about ourselves too. Here are the excerpts from the interview: What would you highlight as works done by you in your…

Assembly Equation The Karnataka Assembly has 224 seats and the incumbent BJP barely holding on to a majority. The last decade has seen permutations and combinations of party tie-ups and several politicians and MLAs change parties before, during and after elections. As many as 20 bypolls were held in the last 5 years because of MLAs quitting their parties to join the ruling party. It foresees more by polls for the Parliament if any of the 4 sitting MPs who are contesting the Assembly election win. Electorate According to the Chief Election Office, Karnataka has 4.36 Crore voters. Bangalore has…

It's 9.40 pm. I wait patiently outside Dr. Ashwath Narayan's chamber in his house. I was supposed to catch him at 9 pm; but was told that 'doctor is running 15 minutes late.' Here I am, waiting for him to finish his interview with another media person. The assistant sitting at the desk politely explains the situation: "We were on a padayatra; it got late when we returned; then the doctor attended this scheduled meeting, hence the delay." Quite understandable, given the fact that the 'doctor' is trying hard to retain his constituency for the second term. Finally at 9.45…

Dinesh Gundu Rao, three-time MLA of Gandhi Nagar constituency in the heart of the city, is considered one among the youth leaders of Congress party. Son of ex-chief minister of the state Gundu Rao, he is an engineering graduate. He is contesting from Gandhinagar constituency for the fourth time. In a telephonic interview to Citizen Matters, he shared his views on the development of his constituency. Dinesh Gundu Rao Pic courtesy: dineshgundurao.com What were the topics of your focus in your constituency?The prime focus was development of each ward; ensuring proper facilities- roads, drains, water, garbage, footpaths, safety, education, cleanliness,…

Narendra Babu's phone keeps ringing. Some are from his office, but many are by the voters of his constituency. One such phone call is from a worried woman whose child has to undergo an operation; she doesn't have funds. Her husband is an auto driver. They are not sure how to get government aid. He tells her to meet him along with all related documents if any, at his office on Monday or Thursday, during the official public meetings.The venue is Anushrutha Foundation, his NGO, a little ahead of his office-cum-residence. Another woman who has come to the NGO wants…