Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar hints at entering Channapatna bypoll race

BENGALURU: Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday dropped broad hints that he might contest the upcoming byelection to Channapatna - a Vokkaliga bastion in Ramanagara district - by undertaking a temple yatra in the constituency.
Channapatna was represented by Union minister HD Kumaraswamy, who recently resigned after he was elected MP from Mandya.Initial reports suggested Congress might field Shivakumar's brother DK Suresh, who recently lost from Bangalore Rural to BJP's CN Manjunath, from Channapatna.
Shivakumar currently represents Kanakapura constituency. Interestingly, Ramanagara district is a Vokkaliga battleground politically controlled by the JD(S) first family or Congress's DK brothers either in direct or proxy battles over the past two-three decades.
The BJP-JD(S) alliance may field MLC CP Yogeeshwara or Nikhil Kumaraswamy, actor-turned-politician and son of Kumaraswamy, from Channapatna. Shivakumar might contest to avenge his brother's defeat and re-establish his influence in the region and counter the influence of the Deve Gowda family, say political analysts.
As a precursor, putative candidate Shivakumar visited nearly a dozen temples in the Channapatna region, seeking divine blessings, and to gauge voters' opinions. "Based on voters' feedback, I'll decide on my next step," he said. Asked what he would do if people wanted him to contest, he responded in the affirmative. Sources said if Shivakumar contests and wins from Channapatna, then he may vacate Kanakapura seat for Suresh.
Shivakumar offered special prayers at Kengal Anjaneya Swamy temple. His arrival in Channapatna on Wednesday was greeted by enthusiastic Congress workers and traditional folk-art troupes. Slogans hailing him as future CM fuelled speculation about his candidacy.
He further explained his political tryst with Channapatna: "People here have nurtured me through one hobli in Sathanur for four successive terms. The delimitation was a painful moment, but the love and support of Channapatna's people remain strong. In the 2023 assembly poll, our candidate received only 16,000 votes, a disappointment. Yet, you made me the deputy CM by giving us three seats in the Ramanagara district. Now, I am here to repay my debt as your son."
Kumaraswamy won Channapatna in 2018 and 2023. Prior to that, Yogeeshwara had represented the seat from BJP, Samajwadi Party, Congress and as an independent. Shivakumar has represented the Kanakapura segment since 2008.