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Politics is the last resort for scoundrels- George Bernard Shaw. Bengaluru: Seven more days are left for the first round of polls to 14 constituencies of Karnataka, but a short trip in multiple constituencies of several districts doesn’t indicate that general elections are underway. Thanks to the code of conduct being rigidly adhered to, you don’t even come across wall writings, banners, billboards, cutouts, hitherto a big nuisance during polls. Heatwave feared to affect turnout: Hunaswadi Rajan, Group Editor of Lok Shikshan Trust publications including Samayukta Karnataka, the oldest Kannada daily newspaper feared-“There is a danger of the polling per cent dipping down if the same present heatwave continues until the polling day”. Personal prestige to the fore: Generally and especially in Karnataka, local issues, candidates, and anti-incumbency factors play a vital role at the time of state Assembly elections unlike during Parliamentary polls. Interestingly, it looks to be the other...

Bengaluru: Eight days are left for the first round of polls in 14 Lok Sabha constituencies of Karnataka as the polling is scheduled for next Friday 26 April. A quick round in a select few constituencies of multiple districts belonging to the old Mysuru region or the Southern Karnataka however fails to give any indication of the trend or pulse of the people! Voters prefer to remain non-committal! A few decades back scribes enjoyed touring the poll-bound areas to have a glimpse of the emerging trends, busy interacting with all types of people available in public places. Many of them, sitting below a huge tree or sipping tea in small canteens rejoiced voicing their frank opinion over the ongoing polls, but not anymore. These days, thanks to the onslaught of social networking sites and the menace they have created, people prefer to remain non-committal! Unaware of money: Chikkanna, a farmer of Achhalu village close to Kanakapura preferred to be dragged into a brief conversation after an...