Will Khader’s winning streak continue this election?

Mangaluru: U T Khader is a well-known name in Mangaluru’s political scenario. He has served as an MLA since 2007.

Khader will be contesting from Mangaluru (Ullal) constituency. He has contested from here for the past 3 times, always emerging victorious. On the other hand, BJP has fielded Santhosh Kumar Rai who will mark his debut in the upcoming polls, along with Nithin Kuthar from CPI (M) and K Ashraf from JD(S).

For Khader, politics runs in the family. His father, U T Fareed contested from Ullal for in the years 1972, 1978, 1999 and 2004 winning all four times. Khader entered assembly for the first time by winning the by-election in 2007 following the death of his father.

Ullal has seen drastic development during Khader’s tenure as MLA. He is well aware about situations, conditions and needs of the people. Ullal is known for communal violence and clashes, but Khader has strived hard to maintain peace and harmony. Even the Mogaveera community is in favour of Khader as he pays heed to their problems.

During his administration, funds were sanctioned for the renovation and development of temples, churches and mosques. He also took initiative to conduct the Rani Abbakka Utsav at Ullal. In the last five years, he served as minister for Health and minister for Food and Civil Supplies.

Santhosh Kumar Rai

BJP’s candidate for Mangalore (Ullal) constituency Santhosh Kumar Rai is making his debut in the upcoming polls opposite a well-known politician like U T Khader.

In 2013, Kumar was denied a ticket from Ullal. The ticket went to Chandrahas Ullal instead who was successfully defeated by Khader with a margin as high as 29,111 votes.

Santosh Kumar Rai hails from Boliyar and is a zilla panchayat member and district BJP vice-president. His good relationship with all communities in Boliyar, Thokkottu, Konaje, and Mudipu areas will prove to be an advantage for him.

JD(S) has placed candidate Ashraf in Ullal. Ashraf recently shifted his loyalty from Congress to JD(S). It looks like the minority votes will be divided between Khader and Ashraf. The division of votes however will be a big advantage for Santhosh Kumar Rai.

Last 2013 elections results

U T Khader (Cong) 69,450 votes, Chandrahas Ullal (BJP) 40,339 votes, Mohammed Akram (SDPI) 4,808 votes, Krishnappa Salian (CPI(M)) 3,815 votes, Abdul Azeez (JDS) 2,152.

Mangaluru (Ullal) constituency candidates

Khader (Congress) Santhosh KumarRai (BJP) Nithin Kuthar , (CPI(M)) K Ashraf (JDS) and Usman (MEP)