Kannada Influence in Kerala Polls: Dakshina Kannada Leaders Campaign in Manjeshwar, Kasaragod
The high-voltage assembly elections in Kerala's border constituencies of Manjeshwar and Kasaragod have seen a significant influx of political leaders from neighboring Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka. This cross-border campaigning underscores the crucial role of the Kannada-speaking population in these regions, with posters and banners in Kannada seeking votes for various parties visible across both constituencies.
BJP and Congress Deploy Senior Leaders
The Dakshina Kannada BJP has deputed dedicated teams under the leadership of MLA Harish Poonja in Kasaragod and Y Bharath Shetty in Manjeshwar. Party sources reveal that a robust campaign effort includes district president Sathish Kumpala, MPs Capt Brijesh Chowta and Kota Shrinivas Poojary, former BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel, along with numerous MLAs, MLCs, and other leaders working tirelessly to secure victory for party candidates.
Similarly, the Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee (DCC) has assigned senior leaders to campaign in both constituencies. Key figures include DCC president Harish Kumar, MLC Ivan D'Souza, MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, Mangaluru Urban Development Authority chairman Sadashiva Ullal, former minister B Ramanath Rai, and former MLA JR Lobo. Leaders from the Congress, BJP, and CPM have all campaigned extensively, reflecting the strategic importance of these areas.
Kannada's Political and Cultural Significance
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized Kannada's prominence during a recent campaign speech in Manjeshwar, stating, "When you come to Manjeshwar, it feels as if you are in Kannada land." He highlighted the area's rich literary heritage, noting that Manjeshwar has produced giants like Manjeshwar Govinda Pai, a point of pride for Kannadigas.
Kannada activist and writer Radhakrishna Uliyathadka pointed out that the region, especially Manjeshwar, boasts a large number of Kannadiga voters. He discussed the potential impact of the controversial Malayalam Language Bill 2025, stating, "The linguistic minority in the Kerala border needs to be given an exemption in the Bill to allow them to learn their mother tongue." Despite Kerala government assurances that the Bill will not affect Kannadigas, clarity remains lacking, making this a pivotal issue in the elections.
Electoral Dynamics and Historical Context
Radhakrishna noted that Kannadiga votes are crucial for any political party in these constituencies, given the significant Kannada-speaking electorate. Historically, the district has elected leaders from Kannada organizations, such as M Umesh Rao, Kallige Mahabala Bhandary, and UP Kunikullaya, as MLAs. However, this time, no Kannada organization has issued an open call to vote for any specific party, leaving the decision to individual voters.
The electoral landscape features a competitive field:
- Manjeshwar: 11 candidates, including incumbent MLA AKM Ashraf of the UDF, K Surendran of the BJP, and KR Jayananda of the CPI(M).
- Kasaragod: 5 candidates, including Kallatra Mahin of the UDF and Ashwini ML of the BJP.
This intense political activity highlights how linguistic and cultural ties transcend state borders, shaping electoral outcomes in Kerala's border districts.
