Contesting upcoming Karnataka Election from Bommanahalli

As many of you know, I quit full-time IT job (in late 2010) with the intention of contesting for public office. Before taking the plunge, I wanted to understand the dynamics and suitability of public service and platforms.

Over last 2+ years, I had involved in various activities in public sphere – IAC Movement, Civic and Social Activism and Citizen Forums, which has given me knowledge and confidence to take the plunge. I also realize electoral politics needs much more than experience, especially fighting elections ethically.

Karnataka Assembly elections are 4-5 months away (could come earlier too) and it is about time to take the plunge. The coming election is touted as the ugliest election in Karnataka’s political history and political pundits have come to the conclusion that Citizen candidates don’t stand a chance.

Actually by now, I should have jumped-in but could not do so due to some public commitments (with organizations and initiatives). I had to fulfill my obligations or atleast get them to logical stage.

Having lived in Bommanahalli Constituency for many years has helped me to understand the Constituency needs & issues, Govt Machinery, Political landscape and other components of the Eco-system. So Bommanahalli has become the natural choice to contest from.

For more than 2 years, have worked closely with several Communities and Govt agencies in the constituency and across the city and has helped me to gain deep understanding of Civic and Infrastructure needs (and lack thereof), Govt Systems (and challenges of dealing them), Social evils hindering the Governance (Corruption, Non-accountability).

During this period, I have developed networks of like-minded citizens and professionals who are willing to work with responsible elected representatives and govt officers in finding solutions to the problems.

With this groundwork, I like to explore further in putting together a campaign to contest the upcoming election and develop the support base/platform (of like-minded groups and political alternatives) to achieve the goal. I realize Citizen Candidate contesting an election is not just to provide alternative but in to WIN it.

Given the size of Bommanahalli Assembly Constituency both in terms of AREA and VOTER COUNT, it is no easy task to reach out to the constituents and the communities and convince them in short time. Adding to this, the candidates from the established parties (it’s 5 parties as opposed to 3 last time) are known for their Money and Muscle power. BUT STILL, WORKING TOGETHER WE MAKE AN IMPACT !!!.

Watch out this space for more details. Please help the campaign by reaching us via :
EMAIL: yogesh4mla@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/YogeshDevarajForMLA
WEBSITE: http://www.yogeshdevaraj.in [under-construction]
TWITTER: @yogesh4mla

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Tags: bommanahalli, Citizen Candidates, karnataka assembly election