BELLARY -- A constituency still under Sonia's influence

The constituency which had elected Leader of Opposition Sonia Gandhi in 1999 elections, covers one of the most backward districts of Karnataka. With the shadow of Sonia still looming large over the constituency, it is once again hogging the national limelight.

The constituency which had elected Leader of Opposition Sonia Gandhi in 1999 elections, covers one of the most backward districts of Karnataka. With the shadow of Sonia still looming large over the constituency, it is once again hogging the national limelight.

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In the 1999 elections the Congress chief Sonia drubbed BJP firebrand Sushma Swaraj by more than 56000 votes in one of the most high-profile contests of that time.

A Congress bastion since 1957, Bellary has seen a very high industrial investment to tune of thousands of crores on industrial front, but it has yet to make a difference in the lifestyles of ordinary masses.

A district bordering neighbouring Andhra Pradesh with a lot of migrant labour population, Bellary still reels under a feudal set-up.

The constituency has about 13 lakh voters comprising eight assembly segments -- Siruguppa, Kurugod, Sandur, Bellary Kudligi, Kottur, Hadagali and Harappanahalli.

The district has more than 20% Lingayats, 28% scheduled castes, 10% Muslims.