Bhatkal: While the name of Mankal Vaidya has been decided as the Congress candidate from Bhatkal-Honnavar assembly constituency, the fate of Sunil Naik from BJP seems stuck between Govinda Naik and Ishwar Naik while the Muslim candidate from Janata Dal (S) Inayatullah Shahbandri's chances of getting a ticket are now almost doubtful as the chances of renowned High Court lawyer Nagendra Naik have come to limelight. 

According to some reliable sources, Kumaraswamy himself has phone called Nagendra Naik and informed that his name for JDS candidate has been finalized and it will be officially announced on April 14 or 15.

Read Urdu report: بھٹکل : کیا جے ڈی ایس کی ٹکٹ پر ناگیندرا نائک کی امیدواری یقینی ہے ؟  

What did Kumarswamy say?: It should be remembered that Kumarswamy had said during the general meeting in Bhatkal that if the name of Inayatullah Shahbandri was presented by the Bhatkal's Majlise Islah Wa Tanzeem, then he would definitely be given the ticket. Unfortunately, Tanzeem is yet to decide on its stand whether it will support the JDS or any other candidate, with barely a month left for the elections.

Who is Nagendra Naik?: Nagendra Naik is a person of pure character and belongs to the Namdhari community, a resident of Sarpankatta in Bhatkal. Currently based in Bengaluru, Nagendra Naik is an advocate of High Court. He continues to speak and write against communal forces and is active in promoting social harmony and brotherhood. This is why communal lobbies are targeting him at the state and central levels. A proof of this is that his name has been recommended for the post of judge by the Supreme Court collegium many times and every time it has been ignored and rejected by the central government.

Will the results change? : If Nagendra Naik gets JDS ticket for Bhatkal Constituency, then a large number of unaffiliated voters in the constituency can vote for him. There are also whispers now that the Namadhari section in favor of Nagendra is also considering declaring collective support. If this happens, the angle of what was supposed to be a tussle between Congress and BJP candidates will change and the chances of Nagendra Naik emerging as a game-changer are very strong. Then this election will be triangular and the toughest competition.

Performance of Janata Dal may improve: If Janata Dal (S) gives ticket to Nagendra Naik in Bhatkal Assembly Constituency, this decision may also lead to positive results in the election performance of Janata Dal. In Kumta-Honnavar constituency, JDS has assured ticket to Suraj Naik Soni while in Yellapur for Nagesh Naik Kagal, both belonging to  Namdhari community. Now, if Nagendra Naik gets the JDS ticket in Bhatkal Honavar constituency, it is certain that three candidates from the same party getting ticket in the district, the majority of the Namdhari section will be grateful to the Janata Dal and chances are high for all three constituencies bringing victory to Janata Dal.