Slight correction ramazz.. Both are not confident about winning the seat. Yeddyurapa wanted to contest also from Tumkur or Dharwad South to ensure his win. It is going to be touch and go. the one who wins will do so with a margin of less than 2000 votes. About the demographics, the biggest community is the Lingyats (45000), followed by the Lambani (40000), followed by the Idigas (35000), Scheduled Castes (18000), Muslims (12000), Dalits (10,000) & Christians (2000). Bangarappas confidence comes from the Idiga-SC-Dalit-Minorities combine. Bangarappa is a Idiga while Yedurapa is a Lingyat. The only way Yedurappa can win is if the Lambanis vote for him which seems highly unlikely even though the BJP has virtually poured money like water into Shikaripur to buy votes.
