Both the BJP and the Congress are busy chalking out plans to woo Marathi-speaking voters as the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) has not fielded any candidate in Belgaum.
However, the Shiv Sena — another pro-Maharashtrian party — has fielded its candidate for the Belgaum constituency.
According to sources, most of the Marathi voters might not support the Shiv Sena as its leaders did not hold any discussion with the local Marathi leaders before announcing its candidate.
The constituency has more than 1.8 lakh Marathi voters, which might prove crucial, considering the fierce electoral battle in the constituency.
Sources said the BJP is trying to impress upon the Marathi voters through its former president Nitin Gadakari, while the Congress is trying to use the influence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan to win over the voters.