CV Raman Nagar assembly constituency was created as part of delimitation in 2008. It is being represented by S Raghu of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). Though his success in the forthcoming Assembly elections in 2018 looks certain, it may not be easy for him to sail through due to the recent developments.
One of the factors that is expected to work against him is the failure of BJP candidates in winning the BBMP elections. Out of seven wards, BJP candidates manage to win only three wards. The other shocking and interesting thing is the defeat of BJP candidate in New Thippasandra ward where the incumbent MLA Raghu and his brother-in-law Aravind Limbavali are residents.
It may not be an exaggeration to say Congress capturing two wards – New Thippasandra and Benniganahalli – and the independent candidates defeating BJP candidates in Konena Agrahara and Hoysala Nagar will pose a hassle for Raghu to have an hattrick win from CV Raman Nagar Assembly constituency.
Out of seven wards, BJP represents only three wards – C.V. Raman Nagar, Jeevan Bhima Nagar and Sarvagna Nagar – in the BBMP Council.
The advantage of BJP is committed and dedicated cadre that helped S Raghu to defeat Congress candidate K.C. Vijayakumar by around 17,000 votes. Raghu polled 47,369 votes while Vijayakumar got only 30,714 votes in 2008. Again, Raghu polled 53,364 votes while Congress candidate P Ramesh polled 44,945 votes in 2013.
The other factor that is expected to pose a challenge to Rahu is P Ramesh who opened an office just a few hundred meters away from his office. Ramesh, by uitilising his political clout, has been participating in social programmes and is working to strengthen the grassroots of Congress in the constituency.
“It is quite surprising to see energy and efforts of Ramesh to strengthen Congress cadre in this constituency. He has been helping many needy people. He helped many to get pension and ration cards,’’ said Narayana Reddy, a social activist.
Though Raghu was active in ensuring asphalting of roads in the constituency, there are some long-pending projects that need his immediate attention. For example, vegetable markets at Cox Town in Sarvagnanagar ward. It was pending for more than eight years. Its construction was commenced two years ago but it yet to be completed.
“The vendors are forced to occupy the footpath to do business. It will be a great help for them if the new market that was promised eight years ago becomes a reality. I have organised several protests demanding the elected representatives to ensure completion the construction but in vain,’’ said N.S. Ravi, president, Bharathinagar Residents’ Welfare Association.
The other long-pending project is the railway over bridge (ROB) near Byappanahalli. On an average, 50 trains, including goods trains, pass through this railway level cross on a daily basis. The construction of Rs 23.53 crore ROB is yet to be completed due to litigation to acquire the Army land.
“The delay in completion of the ROB is causing lot of problems for motorists. It will be tough to use this road during peak hours. I want the elected representatives to take measures for a coordination between the government authorities and Army officers for acquiring the land for the ROB,’’ complains K Ashok, an autorickshaw driver.
A delegation, led by the then BBMP Mayor BS Satyanarayana and CV Raman Nagar MLA S Raghu, had already met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in November 2013 and requested him to convince the then Union Minister for Defence AK Antony to direct the Madras Engineering Group (MEG) officers to allow the construction of a ramp of the ROB on the land belonging to the MEG but nothing has happened till date.
The other pending project is de-weeding or desilting of 45-acre Kaggadasapura lake which has become a source of worry for 5,000-odd residents. Apart from the threat of flooding due to lack of maintenance, stench emanating from garbage thrown indiscriminately to the hyacinth-covered water body makes their lives miserable. A re-development plan for the lake remains on paper, they allege.
“The lake water was so clean years ago; now I cannot differentiate it from the storm water drain releasing sewage into the water body. The lake hasn’t been desilted for long and that has reduced its water-holding capacity. There’s a threat of flooding at the slightest hint of rain,” says Hemanth Kumar, a resident.
Bogus votes
Congress candidate P Ramesh alleged that bogus votes and fraudulent methods of Raghu ruined his chances of winning in the last Assembly elections.
“The outcome of BBMP elections in CV Raman Nagar Assembly segment was an indication of voters favouring Congress. We will try our best to win in the next Assembly elections,’’ Ramesh said.
Meanwhile, MLA S Raghu was not available for comment.
