Lingayat or OBC? Congress Weighs Options for Key Dharwad Constituency

Hubballi: In a strategic move, the Congress party on Tuesday released its second list of candidates, leaving political enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the announcement of contenders for at least 14 more seats in Karnataka by March 15. The focus is particularly on the Dharwad Lok Sabha seat, where speculation abounds regarding potential candidates.

Amidst the considerations, the Congress party is contemplating the nomination of an OBC (Other Backward Classes) candidate for the Dharwad Lok Sabha seat, aligning with their decision to field a candidate from the Jangama community for the Haveri Lok Sabha seat. If caste calculations take center stage, it is likely that Vinod Asuti, a prominent aspirant who gracefully stepped back from contesting the assembly election in Navalgund constituency, may have the opportunity to contest the MP election from Dharwad.

Vinod Asuti, currently serving as the vice chairman of the Sports Authority, has garnered a dedicated fan base in the Dharwad district, making him a compelling choice for the Congress party. Sources suggest that Asuti received a call from KPCC president DK Shivakumar last week, signaling a potential green light for his candidacy.

Alternatively, if the Congress opts to field a candidate from the OBC community, Lohit Naikar, the son of a former MP who represented the then Dharwad (North) constituency four times, stands as a viable option. The Congress party has previously fielded former minister Vinay Kulkarni in the Dharwad Lok Sabha seat, yet he was unable to unseat the current MP Pralhad Joshi, who is eyeing a fifth consecutive term.

Intriguingly, the Congress party is also considering candidates from the Lingayat community. Speculation surrounds the potential candidacy of former MLC and advocate Mohan Limbikai. Additionally, there are murmurs that Shivalila Kulkarni, the wife of former minister Vinay Kulkarni, may be in contention.

With the party determined to put forth a formidable candidate, the decision-making process becomes all the more crucial. As the Congress weighs its options, political observers are keenly watching to see whether Vinod Asuti secures the ticket, or if the party leans towards a candidate from the minority or Lingayat community.