Yadgir is a district with innumerable problems and unending political rivalries. Infamous for being at the bottom of the SSLC and PU results and at the top on the list of liquor sales in the state, reformation appears to be an administrative nightmare.
The district is facing its first Assembly elections since it was carved out of Gulbarga three years ago.
The political scenario here is completely different from other districts in the state. While relatives of the Surpur kings have been the MLAs from the region since 1957, Gurmitkal has been dominated by Congress since 1967. The fight has been between two families and not parties in Shahapur constituency since 1967. Kabbaliga and Lingayat Reddys are present in large numbers and will decide the fate of the candidates.
Surpur
Surpur has been reserved for STs after the delimitation of constituencies in 2008. Except for Mallappa Kollur, a freedom fighter from the Congress, relatives of the Surpur kings who are Valmiki Nayakas have been continually elected since 1957. Raja Venkatappa Nayaka (Congress), who is in the fray, was the MLA of this constituency from 1994 to 2004. Narasimha Nayaka (Raju Gowda), once a close aide of Venkatappa Nayaka, rebelled against his leader and has been the MLA since 2004 when he contested from the Kannada Nadu Party and then BJP. This time, he is contesting on the JD(S)ticket. It is a neck-and-neck fight between the two and the votes of Valmiki Nayakas are expected to decide the fate of candidates.
Yadgir
This constituency is open for general category. Voters from religious minorities are also present in the region in large numbers. There is sure to be a tough fight between Congress candidate A B Malakareddy, a four-time MLA from Congress, and Veerabasavanta Reddy Mudnal, KJP candidate and former MLA, who was elected as an independent in 2004. Individual reputation is the most important here, while parties and families take a backseat. JD (S) candidate A C Kadloor, who claims to have the support of the Muslim community, may divide votes.Â
Shahapur
In Shahapur, the fight is between families. Sharanabasappa Darshanapur of Congress and Gurulingappa Patil Shirwal of KJP are the prime candidates. Darshanapur is the son of former MLA Bapugouda and Gurulingappa Patil son of former MLA late Shivashekarappa Shirwal. Shivashekarappa passed away in 2009 and his son is expected to get sympathy votes.
Gurmitkal
Baburao Chinchansur (Congress), Chinchansur Naganagouda JD(S) and Venkat Reddy Mudnal (KJP) are the main candidates. The region has a large number of SCs and Kabbaligas.