BJP picks Nagaraja, eyes Kuruba vote amid Siddaramaiah buzz

Hubballi: The BJP has nominated M Nagaraja, a former Karnataka Public Service Commission member and long-time Sangh activist, as its Rajya Sabha candidate from Karnataka, amid intensifying political debate following the resignation of Siddaramaiah from the position of the chief minister.

The move comes as the BJP attempts to position itself for potential shifts in the OBC vote, particularly among the Kuruba community. Siddaramaiah remains one of the most prominent Kuruba leaders in Karnataka, and any uncertainty over his continuation is being closely watched across party lines.

Against this backdrop, political observers said Nagaraja’s nomination carries a broader message. Discussions in political circles suggest the BJP is seeking to expand its outreach to Kuruba voters, who have traditionally leaned towards the Congress due to Siddaramaiah’s long-standing influence.

While Nagaraja is not seen as a mass leader on par with Siddaramaiah, his selection is viewed as recognition of his organisational contributions. He has been part of the BJP’s organisational structure for years and is known as a disciplined worker. Nagaraja had earlier contested an MLC election against Basavaraj Horatti, when he was in JD(S), from the Teachers’ constituency and had also sought a Rajya Sabha ticket in the previous election.

From 2016, Nagaraja served as the Karnataka state in-charge of the BJP Zilla Karyalaya Bhavan Nirman Samiti, focusing on organisational infrastructure. He carried out the assignment without much public attention, reinforcing his image as a behind-the-scenes functionary rather than a headline-driven politician.

The BJP’s latest announcements also brought relief to another senior leader. Party’s state disciplinary committee chairman Lingaraj Patil was given an MLC ticket after earlier missing out on Rajya Sabha and MLC nominations.

The selection of both leaders, who have strong grassroots connections, is being viewed as a long-pending reward for loyalty and sustained organisational work. Party observers believe the move may help reduce internal dissatisfaction, energise cadres, and strengthen organisational cohesion by signalling that commitment and seniority will be recognised.

Nagaraja said he was happy with the party’s decision and that the leadership had recognised his service. He added that while the Congress claims to support OBCs, particularly through Rahul Gandhi, it has failed to stand with communities such as the Kurubas.

Lingaraj Patil said, “The party has considered an ordinary worker for the MLC election. Workers who have served the party for decades are happy. I have been given an opportunity to serve society and will work to meet the party’s expectations.”

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M Nagaraja, 68: Former president of the Karnataka ABVP. Served as Sanchalak for the 2024 Dharwad Lok Sabha elections. BJP state vice-president from 2013 to 2019.

Lingaraj Patil, 66: Entered politics in 1989 during LK Advani’s Ram Janmabhoomi Rath Yatra. Held various organisational roles from district to state level. Served three terms as Hubballi-Dharwad BJP district president and is a state working committee member.