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Madikeri: The demand to make Kodagu district a separate Lok Sabha constituency has a longstanding history, spanning several decades. With elections approaching, this demand has resurfaced prominently in the district.
Previously, Kodagu was part of the Mangalore-Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency, which later became Mysore-Kodagu. However, the prevailing sentiment among the district's residents is that Kodagu now warrants its own distinct Lok Sabha constituency.
When is Kodagu expected to become a separate Lok Sabha constituency?
The expectation is that Kodagu will get separate Lok Sabha status by 2026. Recently, current Kodagu-Mysuru MP Pratap Simha said in Madikeri that Kodagu will have its own Lok Sabha seat in the future.
With over 4.5 lakh voters and a population exceeding 6 lakhs, the call for a separate constituency for Kodagu has gained momentum, particularly considering that constituency allocation is based on population.
Former Minister and senior politician from the district, M.C. Nanaiah has also voiced support for a separate Lok Sabha constituency for Kodagu. District representatives have urged the government to heed this demand. Kodagu, having once been a separate state with its own government, however now doesn't have its own Lok Sabha constituency.
How did Kodagu become part of the Mysuru Lok Sabha constituency?
Historically, Kodagu was part of the Mangalore constituency, with Nidemane Somana winning the Lok Sabha seat in 1952 when Kodagu was still a separate state. From 1962, Kodagu became part of the Mangalore Lok Sabha constituency. Subsequent MPs from 1967 onwards included C.M. Poonachha, K.K. Shetty, Janardana Pujari, and Dhananjay Kumar, representing various parties.
In 2009, Kodagu was amalgamated with Mysore to form a single Lok Sabha constituency. H Vishwanath of Congress won the seat, followed by BJP's Pratap Shima in 2014 and 2019.
Why do Kodagu residents want their own Lok Sabha constituency?
The Kodagu-Mysore constituency currently comprises 2,27,339 male voters, 2,36,059 female voters in Kodagu, and 16 others, totaling 4,63,414 voters. Mysore district has 26,99,835 voters, including 13,31,772 male, 13,67,843 female, and 220 others.
Residents believe that if Kodagu becomes a separate Lok Sabha constituency, it will benefit the district significantly. Candidates could potentially win seats from the district itself, leading to more focused development initiatives using MP grants. Additionally, Kodagu residents would have a platform in the Lok Sabha to address their specific issues.
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