Somanna eyes Tumakuru Lok Sabha seat as MP announces retirement

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: Former Minister V Somanna, who faced defeat in two constituencies during the previous elections, is now eyeing the Tumakuru Lok Sabha seat. Incumbent MP GS Basavaraj recently declared his retirement from politics, opening up the opportunity for Somanna.

Somanna, recognising Tumakuru as a strong base for the BJP, is actively lobbying with the party high command to consider him as the candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The constituency’s significant Lingayat population adds to its appeal for the BJP. Hints of Somanna’s intentions to contest the parliamentary polls have already surfaced, with reports of groupism within the State BJP unit. The party had previously denied a ticket to Somanna’s son from Hassan district.

Furthermore, Somanna himself was initially reluctant to contest from the Varuna constituency but was eventually persuaded by the high command, as the BJP lacked a strong candidate against Siddaramaiah.

Interestingly, the BJP faced challenges in finding suitable candidates for several Lok Sabha constituencies, as incumbent MPs sought to transition into State politics. Considering his association with the Tumakuru Siddaganga Mutt, Somanna has sought a ticket from Tumakuru.

However, political analysts suggest that the BJP may face difficulties in replicating its 2019 performance in the upcoming elections due to the change in government in Karnataka. The Congress, buoyed by its success of securing 135 seats in the Assembly elections, has been in a confident mood.

Moreover, the BJP’s performance in Tumakuru district during the recent Assembly elections was disappointing. While Somanna has expressed his desire to contest from Tumakuru, it remains to be seen whether the BJP leaders will take his plea seriously.

The final decision will ultimately rest with the party high command, which will assess the situation at the appropriate time. In a similar vein, former Honnalli MLA MP Renukacharya has shown interest in contesting from the Davangere Lok Sabha constituency.

This development comes as the sitting MP GM Siddeshwar has also announced his retirement from politics. However, Renukacharya’s outspoken criticism of State politics following the BJP’s defeat in the Assembly elections has led to the party distancing itself from him.

A notice was issued, summoning him to appear before the disciplinary committee, due to his ‘baseless’ charges against State leaders.

As the Lok Sabha elections draw nearer, the political landscape in Karnataka is witnessing interesting shifts.