Udupi: This is a by election not caused by death of Dr. V.S. Acharya, and Udupi MLA/minister, but by the resignation of an MP on his election as MLC, to continue as CM of the state, who was guided till recently by late Dr. V.S. Acharya.

The election falls on March 18(with resultes on March 21) whereas the last date for nomination is February.29 (in 2012, February has one extra day, 29th)

Already, Congress has nominated Jayprakash Hegde from Brahmavara as its candidate, and likewise, BJP Chosen Sunil Kumar Karkala.

Although some candidates aspired to be selected as candidates  to this Udupi-Chikkamagalur joint constituency of 4 MLA seats each, nevertheless none was picked up from Chikkamagalur (old Mysore) district, but both candidates are from the west coast region, holding their own merit as their party workers.

Both are ex-MLAs and Hegde is an ex-Minister as well. He has an edge over Sunil whose Career has been tainted by Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat’s wife Padmapriya death in Delhi case, and he kept a low profile, as Bhat is also tainted in many ways.

Turning to JD-s, we find that there is no local candidate available for Gowda’s family party, until February 27 when H.D. Devegowda is expected to pick up a Candidate, if any.

He may even forego the by-election, which has no use for him, as there are only MPs, including himself, son Kumaraswamy, and ex-minister Cheluvarayaswamy in Lok Sabha, so a 4th MP will make no difference in weight, or substance. But Madhu Bangarappa who was made Yuva JD-s wing chief, was expected to face the by-poll like a kite in sky a but he developed cold feet in fear of getting routed from Udupi, and losing his Youth wing post as well. He managed to escape the fire test of popularity in the name of a Youth Convention in Davanagere, Scheduled in April next being busy in organising it.

The only local Candidate is Deviprasad Shetty, but he has to wait till Monday, February 27 if at all he is named by JD-S Supremo as the third party Candidate.

There are one or two independents likely in the fray but they will be early Casualties, like one Sridhar who filed his papers this week.

The by-poll should have been left for a Chikkamagalur district leader by all 3 parties as its period is about 15 months or less, as MP for the Winner.

One Wonders if it is not a minor event in 2012-12.