http://www.thehindu.com/2009/04/09/stories/2009040960130600.htm
A BJP fortress since 1991 Constituency watch Govind D. Belgaumkar MANGALORE: According to mythology, Dakshina Kannada is the land of Sage Parashurama. The district includes a part of the region called “Tulu Nadu” or the land of Tulu-speaking people. The people of the district have maintained a unique cultural identity through Yakshagana and songs known as “paddanas.” It is also the land of the Bearys — a Muslim sect with a unique language and culture. You find a large number of Konkani speaking people among both Hindus and Christians. Dakshina Kannada boasts of the largest minority population in the State (22 per cent Muslims and 8.7 per cent Christians, according to 2001 Census). It also has the highest literacy rate (83 per cent as against the State’s average of 66 per cent). Mangalore has emerged a major medical and educational destination for the northern parts of Kerala and nearby districts in Karnataka. The Dakshina Kannada constituency (Mangalore before delimitation) has eight Assembly segments. Following delimitation, the constituency lost Vittal (which was done away with), Virajpet, Madikeri and Somwarpet segments (in Kodagu district) and gained Mangalore North (erstwhile Surathkal) Moodbidri and Belthangady segments. The erstwhile Mangalore constituency was renamed as Mangalore City South and Ullal as Mangalore. The BJP broke the Congress’ supremacy in the constituency in 1991, and from then on has retained its hold over it. The BJP, however, seems to perceive a strong threat to it now. The party polled 5,000 fewer votes than the Congress in 2008 May Assembly elections. Rolphie Mascarenhas, retired Head of the Department of Political Science at St. Aloysius College, said: “a lead of 5,000 cannot be an index of anything” and added that parliamentary elections display a totally different voting pattern. He said the attacks on the Christian prayers halls by Hindutva groups and rapid polarisation along communal lines might benefit the right wing outfits.
