Summary:
Hubballi: Caste arithmetic normally plays a decisive role in elections but Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency seems to be an exception. Lingayat community, with over 5.75 lakh votes, is dominant in Dharwad constituency, followed by Muslim community with 2.55 lakh votes. Before delimitation in 2008, it was known as Dharwad North Lok Sabha constituency. Vijay Sankeshwar is the only Lingayat candidate from this constituency, who was elected three terms.Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency is a strong bastion of the BJP. Scheduled castes and scheduled tribes have 1.84 lakh and 72,000 votes respectively.Though Lingayat community is dominant here, candidates representing the community were defeated in many previous Lok Sabha elections..