HUBBALLI: The independent candidate from Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency, Shivanand Muttannavar, held a unique rally from Hubballi to Dharwad on Tuesday to file his nomination. A former ward member from Hubballi, Muttannavarr took a 20-km ride in a bullock cart along with his supporters.
The rally began after Muttannavar and his supporters garlanded the statues of Rani Chennamma and freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna. The decorated bullock carts were the attractions and the rally reached Dharwad in an hour. The police allowed the carts to move on a dedicated BRTS corridor at some stretches and many were seen taking photos and videos of the carts.
Muttannavar said that for many years, the people of North Karnataka are fighting for Mahadayi waters. Many politicians from this region got benefitted with the Mahadayi issue, he claimed. “Nor Union Minister Pralhad Joshi nor Prime Minister Narendra Modi have spoken a word on Mahadayi. Joshi did not raise his voice in the Parliament despite being elected successive times. The cart rally is being done to get the attention of people to choose the right candidate,” he said.
Dharwad is expected to see an interesting contest this time between Joshi (BJP), Vinod Asoti (Congress) and Dingaleshwar Swamiji (independent). The seer’s entry is expected to divide the Lingayat votes. On the other hand, both Asoti and Muttannavar belong to the Kuruba community.
Political analysts also claim that Muttannavar is contesting on the suggestion of senior BJP leader K Eshwarappa after the Haveri ticket was denied to the latter’s son. Eshwarappa is contesting the polls as an independent from Shivamogga.