Karwar: The Karwar-Ankola constituency is wide open. While some political pundits believe that it is a triangular contest between the three major parties of State, others believe that NCP candidate Madhav Nayak can also spring a surprise result.

All the four candidates have their plus and negative points. From BJP first time candidate Roopali Naik is contesting against Congress sitting MLA Satish sail, former MLA and JD(S) candidate Anand Asnotikar.

Sitting MLA Satish Sail is seeking re-election from the constituency. Satish, who was a Congress ticket aspirant in 2013 had to contest as an independent candidate, as the Congress preferred party hopper Anand over him. Satish defeated Anand with a good margin, resulting in him (Satish) being re-inducted into the party.

However, things haven’t been smooth for Sail, as he was jailed for more than one-and-half years for his role in illegal iron ore mining and transportation. A case relating to this is still being fought in Goa courts. This has somewhat taken out his sheen in this election, though All-India Congress Committee President Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others have held roadshow and campaigning. But only time will tell if that make any difference to his fortune.

Former MLA Anand had gone into ‘hibernation’ mode after the defeat in 2013. For almost four-and-half years, he was not to be seen in the political scene of the constituency. He is now contesting from JD(S) ticket. One of the biggest drawback for him is the tag of party hopper. He started his political career from Congress, but in 2008 when BJP came to power he shifted to BJP. However, in 2013 he jumped from the sinking BJP ship and got Congress ticket. But was defeated. He is now banking on the goodwill created by his father late Vasant Asnotikar.

Roopali is a first time contestant in the constituency, but is not a light weight candidate, as she has the blessing of Union Minister Anathkumar Hegde and party top leaders. She was successful in bagging a ticket in spite of several other aspirants in the fray. Hegde is also making sure that his candidate wins the seat, by making several trips to this constituency. Even union Minister Nithin Gadkari had held a public rally for her recently.

To her advantage, even the ‘rebel’ candidates in the party have withdrawn their candidature and are backing the party selection.

Madhav is confidence of people support. While the party has been supporting Congress across Karnataka, in Karwar it has fielded a candidate.