Shantha, during her campaigning, seeks votes in the name of her brother, who she claims is the 'true messiah of the poor'. Her brother as well as influential state minister Janardhan Reddy campaign for her. Both leaders are not only confident about her prospects, they have been talking about a record breaking win.
The Congress, on the other hand, has been highlighting 'the failure of the BJP'. Senior leaders Siddaramaiah and M P Prakash, who have been campaigning for the Congress, say the people of Bellary will 'teach the BJP a lesson for its misrule'.
And while the politicians are busy blaming each other, the residents of the dusty villages in Bellary face a tough choice -- whether to stay in Bellary and breathe the unhealthy air or leave and lose their job in the mines.
Image: The villagers have no choice but to use contaminated water.
Also see: India goes to polls | India Votes 2009
Advertisement