GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th May. The Shimoga Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka braces for a dynamic electoral contest, with the offspring of former Chief Ministers and a seasoned leader vying for victory.
The BJP has nominated incumbent MP BY Raghavendra, son of former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and brother of state party chief BY Vijayendra, as its candidate. Meanwhile, Congress has put forward Geetha Shivarajkumar, daughter of the late Chief Minister S Bangarappa, sister of state Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, and wife of Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar.
Adding intrigue to the race, BJP rebel leader KS Eshwarappa is running as an independent candidate after being expelled from the party for six years. Eshwarappa, a veteran with five terms as a representative in the Shivamogga assembly, sets the stage for a three-way battle.
In the 2019 general elections, Raghavendra secured victory over Madhu Bangarappa, then representing JD(S), by a significant margin. Previous contests have seen Raghavendra defeating Geetha Shivarajkumar in 2014 and facing off against Madhu Bangarappa in by-elections.
As Raghavendra seeks re-election, banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity, Geetha Shivarjkumar rallies support with Congress’ Nyay guarantees and the state government’s performance.
Both BJP and Congress are pulling out all stops to secure victory in Shimoga, with PM Modi and actor Shivarajkumar leading the campaign for their respective candidates.
Key issues in the constituency include inter-community tensions, environmental conservation, education enhancement, and job creation.
Shimoga gears up for polling on May 7, in the third phase of Karnataka’s seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. With 28 MPs in play, Karnataka remains a crucial battleground. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4, following polling in 14 seats on April 26.
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