10-09-2007, 09:54 PM
Known also as Gowdas, the Vokkaligas comprise 15 % of Karnatakaâs 5 crore population. The Lingayats are slightly larger at 17 %. Vokkaligas are spread across south Karnataka districts of Bangalore, Kolar, Mandya, Mysore, Hassan and Chikmagalur.
The hold of the two communities spreads beyond politics. Although not among the most educated castes â that privilege is still held by the Brahmins â the Vokkaligas and the Lingayats control many of Karnatakas private schools and colleges, including the cash-spouting medical and technical colleges that require astronomical capitation fees to enter. Not surprisingly, the two castes missed out on the IT binge.
In the last election BJP was the single largest party and Gowda's JD(S) was the third. But JD(S) ruled for 40 months by playing congress against BJP and Vice Versa! Unless BJP makes inroads into the Vokkaliga community the same game will get repeated i.e. BJP gets most seats but will be denied the privilege to rule.
The hold of the two communities spreads beyond politics. Although not among the most educated castes â that privilege is still held by the Brahmins â the Vokkaligas and the Lingayats control many of Karnatakas private schools and colleges, including the cash-spouting medical and technical colleges that require astronomical capitation fees to enter. Not surprisingly, the two castes missed out on the IT binge.
In the last election BJP was the single largest party and Gowda's JD(S) was the third. But JD(S) ruled for 40 months by playing congress against BJP and Vice Versa! Unless BJP makes inroads into the Vokkaliga community the same game will get repeated i.e. BJP gets most seats but will be denied the privilege to rule.