Candidates of national parties on the border areas of Andhra Pradesh have an edge over others as stars of the neighbouring state campaign for them as well.
The backward belt starting from Bellary and ending at Kolar district, covering several constituencies, have a bilingual electorate with most people speaking both Kannada and Telugu. The influence of Tollywood, the Andhra film industry, is visible here as every town has Telugu movies screened alongside Kannada ones. Tollywood star and Union Tourism Minister Chiranjeevi has been on the campaign trail, adding glitter to these parts. His speech in Telegu inspired many. “Madhugiri janaalu nan eppatiki marechipoledu,” loosely translates to ‘I will never ever forget the people of Madhugiri if you vote for the Congress.’ This dialogue is usually repeated by many local politicians, but coming from Chiranjeevi, it has a special resonance.
Ranganatha, a Chiranjeevi fan from the ‘Koracha’ community, told Express that he was impressed with his favourite star who could sway fence sitters among the Telugu-speaking backward communities in Madhugiri, which would help the Congress candidate.
Andhra Pradesh Revenue Minister N Raghuveera Reddy, a regular campaigner here, looked dull in front of Chirajeevi. Reddy has his own clout in parts of Sira, Pavagada, Madhugiri and Koratagere Assembly constituency for two reasons. He is from the Kannada-dominated Neelakantapura village of Madakashira taluk besides hailing from the powerful ‘Golla’ community, which could tilt the stakes in his favour.
Cong Committed to ‘Uplift Poor’
Chikballapur: The Congress is committed to developing poor, Dalits, backward classes and minorities, said Chiranjeevi. He was speaking at a campaign for Gouribidanur Congress candidate Shiva Shankar Reddy in Chikballapur.