Why Sunil Jakhar referred to Chikmagalur after Gurdaspur by-poll result ?
Raju William
Ludhiana,October 16, 2017: Not many of present generation of readers would know the significance of Chikmagalur referred to by newly-elected Congress MP Sunil Jakhar while reacting to his victory in Gurdaspur by-poll announced on Sunday. We would like our readers to know, though very briefly, as to why Jakhar drew parallel between Chikmagalur and Gurdaspur for the “revival” of Congress.
Chikmagalur is a former Lok Sabha (parliamentary) constituency in Karnataka state in southern India which ceased to exist with the implementation of the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies in 2008.
After losing her traditional seat of Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh in 1977 post-Emergency General Elections, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was desperate to return to the Parliament. The first non-Congress government had then come into being at the Centre. The results were a shock for her as well as the party.
Former PM, late Mrs. Indira Gandhi (YouTube photo)
Her electoral loss was as much personal as it was collective. Without a leader with an iron grip, as Indira Gandhi was considered to be, her return to the Parliament was perceived crucial for the survival and revival of the Congress as several bigwigs had deserted the party. The Congress Alliance could get only 189 seats.
( File Photo: PIB )
It was the time when a loyalist DB Chandra Gowda vacated his Chikmagalur seat, considered Congress stronghold in Karnataka, for her and this political ‘sacrifice’ necessitated by-poll from this seat in 1978. This was the first time, when Indira or any member of Nehru family shifted to Southern India in electoral politics.
She won this contest by defeating Vaerendra Patil of Janata Party. This verdict paved way for the Congress’ revival and return to power at the Centre in 1980 General Election when she became the Prime Minister again.
Chikmagalur in Kannada means "the town of the little daughter"
Chikmagalur is a hill station in Karnataka, a state in southwest India. To the north is Baba Budangiri, a mountain range in the Western Ghats, with 3 large caves said to be holy. Trails through forests and grasslands lead up to Mullayanagiri Peak. The cascading Hebbe Falls lie in an area of coffee plantations. The forested Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, north-west of Chikmagalur, is home to elephants, tigers and leopards.