A critical factor, not surprisingly, is caste. The Billava community has the largest vote share in the Dakshina Kannada constituency numbering around 450,000 voters. There has been a movement among the Billavas to support Poojary, who belongs to the community.
BJP leaders argue that several of its workers are Billavas, but Congress spokespersons counter this, saying despite working for the BJP, the Billavas have not been given any key positions in the BJP.
BJP candidate Kateel is from the Bunt community which has around 250,000 voters. The area has seen a constant tussle for political supremacy between the Bunts and Billavas; this time the two communities may vote for its respective caste candidates.
The remaining votes in the constituency are divided between the Christians, Muslims and scheduled castes and tribes. Muslims and SC/STs have been traditional Congress voters.
Image: BJP leader Nalin Kumar Kateel on the campaign trail.
Also see: Hassan still has hopes from Deve Gowda | India Votes 2009
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