Mysuru: Political equations in rural areas are shifting, with loyalties and alignments changing as villages brace for the Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat elections.The release of the draft reservation, along with the state government’s indication that polls could be held in Jan 2027, has sparked a fierce scramble among ticket aspirants eager to show their strength and influence.The draft reservation is expected to remain largely intact, barring minor changes, and the race for party tickets has picked up pace. Prospective candidates are reaching out to voters, rallying supporters and looking for ways to bolster their bargaining power with the party leadership.Aspirants are also using social media platforms to showcase gatherings, public support and their growing clout before party leaders.KPCC spokesperson M Lakshmana voiced concern over the trend, saying grassroots politics was increasingly drifting from its ideological moorings. “Young leaders have no patience. They want tickets even before making any significant contribution to society or the party. They are indulging in such activities. Forget party workers, even ticket aspirants are ready to switch allegiance if they are offered a ticket,” he said.BJP district spokesperson Vasant Kumar claimed the party was gaining ground in rural areas ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. “More people are gravitating towards the BJP as there are strong indications of the party returning to power in 2028. There is no significant movement between the BJP and JD(S) as we are in an alliance,” he added.Social activist KP Suresh saw the developments as the reflections of declining ethical standards in public life. “Two-and-a-half decades ago, people were hesitant to associate with those perceived to be corrupt. Today, people overlook corruption and even celebrate it when someone uses ill-gotten wealth to support local activities. Social reformer Baba Amte rightly described this erosion of moral values as ‘moral leprosy’, ’ he said.
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