BJP has scored multiple goals with the victory of Dr CN Manjunath from Bangalore Rural seat. The party has hit Congress where it hurts the most by inflicting defeat on its strongman DK Shivakumar’s brother DK Suresh, in his own lair. After all, Shivakumar is Congress’ strongman beyond Karnataka.
Eyeing a foothold in the Vokkaliga belt in south Karnataka, BJP did the unthinkable when it became clear JD(S) would be its ally. It got Bangalore Rural for itself on its terms: Dr Man junath, son-in-law of JD(S) national president HD Deve Gowda, was to contest on the BJP symbol.
The saffron party’s gameplan to capitalise on Gowda’s Vokkaliga support base and Manjunath’s credentials as an eminent cardiologist, whose name is synonymous with Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, which he helmed, has paid off. Manjunath’s candidature was said to be the brainchild of BJP’s chief poll strategist Amit Shah.
“It was a political decision taken by the BJP leadership. They gave me an opportunity in recognition of my service to the people as a doctor, and voters supported the move wholeheartedly,” Manjunath said.
Bangalore Rural was the lone seat Congress won in the state in 2019 while BJP swept the polls by winning 25 of 28 constituencies. Tuesday’s defeat is particularly debilitating for the DK brothers as Suresh failed to secure a lead in seven of the eight assembly segments falling in the constituency. His lead in Shivakumar’s home segment — Kanakapura — was reduced to 25,000 votes from 1.2 lakh in 2019.
“We had not expected this outcome in Bangalore Rural although tough competition was anticipated in other constituencies. We’ll sit and analyse the reasons,” said KPCC working president GC Chandrashekhar.
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