BJP-JDS Coalition Sees Hope in Dr. Manjunath for Bengaluru Rural, But Can He Defeat Sitting MP?
Mandya, Karnataka: In a potential political development in Mandya, known cardiologist Dr. Manjunath, the son-in-law of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, is being considered by the Deve Gowda family for an entry into politics. There are discussions about fielding him in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024.
Addressing the speculations, Dr. Manjunath stated on Tuesday, “People are talking about me contesting the Lok Sabha elections. But I haven’t made a decision yet. People are pressuring me. I haven’t decided whether to enter politics or contest the Lok Sabha.”
Dr. Manjunath, the former director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology, recently retired from the hospital. There is anticipation that he might contest from the Bengaluru Rural constituency.
The political strategy involves consolidating the coalition’s vote bank in the Old Mysore region by fielding Dr. Manjunath. The BJP-JDS coalition, seeking a suitable candidate for the Bengaluru Rural constituency, is leaning towards Dr. Manjunath.
Considering the reluctance of other potential candidates like H.D. Kumaraswamy and C.P. Yogeshwar, coalition leaders have engaged in discussions with Dr. Manjunath. The idea of contesting on the BJP symbol is also being explored as potentially more advantageous.
If Dr. Manjunath enters the electoral arena, it could pose a formidable challenge to the incumbent MP D.K. Suresh, representing the Congress in the constituency. Dr. Manjunath’s affiliations with leaders from both parties add a dynamic element to the political landscape in Mandya.
