BENGALURU: Spread along Hosur Road, the Bommanahalli assembly constituency has turned into a battleground for the showdown between two Reddy strongmen of Bengaluru politics. Bengaluru city in-charge minister Ramalinga Reddy is personally leading the Congress charge here against BJP’s local MLA M Satish Reddy in the BBMP polls.
BJP, which had a clean sweep in all the eight wards of this constituency in 2010, and Satish Reddy are determined to repeat the feat this time too. The party has already gained an upper hand even before the ballots are cast with the victory of Bharati Ramachandra, who has been elected unopposed in Hongasandra ward after the nomination papers of the Congress candidate were rejected.
Ramalinga Reddy has been assigned the challenge of hoisting the Congress flag in Bommanahalli. With both the leaders fighting for their pride and individual political turf, campaigning in all the eight wards has reached feverish pitch.
The Congress is facing a tough battle here. However, Congress sees an advantage as it is the ruling party in the state.
“I have been given the responsibility of Congress poll battle in this constituency. BJP routed Congress in all the wards last time. That shows how tough the challenge is. But this time I am confident of not only Congress opening the account, but we will win at least three or four wards,” Ramalinga Reddy told Express.
Water Woes
In most wards here, apartments and house owners either have borewells or rely on tankers for water supply. Even those with BWSSB water connection don’t have a reliable water supply.
A majority of the low income households do not have a legal water connection.
Jaraganahalli ward has a different story to tell.
The dispute of Sarakki Lake encroachment is being used politically in the current election campaign.
After the High Court order in 2014 and recovery process in 2015, the contestants are now making rounds with assurances to protect people’s land.
Bommanahalli is known for its lakes. Some are dead, some have been ignored and some have been restored.
Economic diversity can be seen here as people from different strata have made this constituency their home .
Though Bommanahalli is infamous for its poor infrastructure and high crime rate, it has emerged as a realty destination due to its strategic location. Several apartment complexes have sprung up in this bustling suburb.
The value of land increased as the constituency has many start-up companies. Before the advent of IT sector, the primary occupation of residents of these areas was agriculture.
Now, agriculture is an alien word in Bommanahalli, where many residents work in factories. Land that abuts the Hosur Main Road costs a fortune.
Another factor boosting land prices is that the area is also close to several industrial centres. Buying land in Bommanahalli and surrounding areas has become a distant dream for several people.
One of the most preferred destinations of IT professionals, the area enjoys good bus connectivity and other civic .