Mangaluru, (The Hindu): Hidden behind high rises that abut the main roads are old Mangalore-tiled houses, dilapidated structures and other small houses in this oldest part of southern city, whose residents are in need of enhanced civic amenities.

Even as incumbent MLA J.R. Lobo greets members of every household during his early morning voter-connect programme, many known faces acknowledge his gesture and assure him of returning him to the Lower House.

Having launched his door-to-door campaign about a fortnight ago, Mr. Lobo contesting as a Congress candidate, is testing his luck for the second time. Every day, he visits close to 200-300 households in Mangaluru City South constituency seeking votes in three sessions, early morning, noon and afternoon, spread over about two hours each.

On Monday, during his voter-connect programme around Morgan’s Gate area, where the party’s footsoldiers have already distributed campaign literature, including a glossy 110-page booklet detailing the legislator’s contributions and achievements, Mr. Lobo, as such, did not have much to talk with the voters, except asking them to caste their votes in favour of the Congress.

Accompanied by area councillor (Ward 58, Bolara) Rathikala, neighbouring Hoige Bazaar ward councillor Kavitha Vasu and leaders Benet D’Mello and others, Mr. Lobo commenced his visit from Bhagini Samaj and went door-to-door towards Morgan’s Gate.

With folded hands, he entered residential premises seeking votes even as local leaders introduced the residents to him. Residents around Mangalore Club urged the legislator to improve the condition of the road from Morgan’s Gate in their area, which also houses BPO major Mphasis. The legislator responded positively to this. Before winding up his morning campaign, the MLA came across Nemu Kottary who has been fighting for rejuvenation of Gujjarkere Lake for many years. Assuring Mr. Kottary of speedy rejuvenation of the lake, which is still filled with filth and waste, Mr. Lobo said that the restoration involved complicated work.

Earlier, Mr. Lobo told The Hindu that the city corporation had the huge task of disconnecting the sewage line joining the lake and laying a new sewage line. With the work on the new line almost completed after encountering several problems, it would be only a matter of time for the lake to wear a fresh look, the MLA said.

He said that voters in the constituency are aware of his contribution towards improving the civic infrastructure and other issues, while exuding the confidence of getting re-elected.