On political pitch, Bidari banks on track record

BAGALKOT: It's 8:30 am, and Janashakthi Paksha founder Shankar Mahadev Bidari is ready with his plans for another busy day. After having breakfast with a group of supporters assembled in the house, the retired IPS officer boards his Innova car with confidence writ large on his face.
Scorching heat outside notwithstanding, this Independent candidate from Bagalkot Lok Sabha constituency oozes confidence though the battle ahead is no cakewalk.His opponents are sitting MP BJP's PC Gaddigoudar, Congress candidate Ajaykumar Sarnaik and Ravi Hunshyal of JD(S).
He stops at Gaddanakeri village on National Highway No. 218 on Hubli-Solapur road and seeks support of a group of elderly persons gathered there. After lending an ear to their grievances, he promises all help. By the time he reached Seemikeri village and Kaladagi on Belgaum-Raichur road, the temperature had reached its peak. Braving the heat, there were many people gathered to listen to him. At 3 pm, Bidari reached Bilagi town where a roadshow was organized.
Party district president Bhavanar said: "We try to meet as many people as possible. Bidari's reputation is impeccable. He entered politics for a social cause which will be appreciated by people in the region."
Aravind, who is in charge of the election campaign, said: "Bidari prefers curd rice for lunch. There is no fixed timing for taking food. We all eat together whenever we get time amidst canvassing."
A close associate of Bidari said every day, they cover 10 villages in the morning and 10 in the afternoon as part of their campaigning.
Photo caption: Shankar Bidari who contested the Parliament election from Bagalkot constituency addressing election campaign in Bilagi town