In Karnataka, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje will throw her hat into the ring for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Once a prominent figure in the Karnataka BJP, closely associated with former Chief Minister Yeddyurappa, Shobha’s influence seems to be shifting. With talks of fatigue and the need for rest circulating, some suggest she might step back, while others anticipate her ascent in national politics.
Source: Times of India
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As the Lok Sabha elections draw near, aspiring candidates are actively vying for a spot on the BJP ticket, anticipating success riding on the coattails of Prime Minister Modi’s popularity. Recent reports suggest that some sitting MPs might not secure tickets, intensifying the competition. Within this milieu, the focus is now on Shobha Karandlaje and whether she will choose to contest.
Sources indicate a likelihood that Shobha may opt for a change from her current constituency, Udupi-Chikkamagalur, where she served two terms as an MP. Criticism has surfaced regarding her distant connection with the constituency and challenges faced during her last victory. Despite aligning with the wave of Prime Minister Modi, recent surveys reportedly do not favor her chances of winning in Udupi-Chikkamagalur.
Source: The Trusted News Portal of India
Speculations abound that Shobha might redirect her political journey to Bangalore Rural, Bangalore North, or Tumkur Lok Sabha constituency. The reasoning behind this potential move is rooted in her historical victory in Yeshavantpur assembly constituency under Bengaluru North Lok Sabha, coupled with her past ministerial role in charge of Tumkur district.
Concerns about Shobha’s waning popularity within Udupi-Chikkamagalur have given rise to alternative contenders, including Jayaprakash Hegde from Congress, set to switch sides after his tenure as the chairman of the Commission for Backward Classes. Reports suggest a tough competition for Shobha in her home constituency, prompting discussions about potential candidates like former MLA CT Ravi, DN Jeevaraj, or Pramod Madhvaraj, who hails from the fishing community.
Source: Swarajya
The lack of leadership from the fishing community within the BJP has led to considerations for Pramod Madhwaraj’s candidacy, seen as a strategic move to benefit the party. Internal discussions within the BJP indicate a diminishing possibility of Shobha Karandlaje contesting from her current constituency.
Amidst these developments, the relationship between Shobha Karandlaje and BJP state president B Y Vijayendra is under scrutiny. The rift between them, stemming from the days when Shobha held considerable sway during Yeddyurappa’s tenure, appears to persist. Allegedly, her alignment with BL Santosh’s faction post-Yeddyurappa’s exit has strained her ties with the current state president.
Source: Vijaya Karnataka
In the run-up to candidate selection, speculations rise about the likelihood of Shobha facing tough competition for the ticket. BJP insiders suggest that Shobha’s candidacy might be met with opposition, citing potential Lingayat votes that could be secured through alternative candidates.
As the political landscape in Karnataka evolves, the looming question remains: Will Shobha Karandlaje take the plunge in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and if so, from which constituency? The intricate dynamics and shifting alliances within the state BJP add layers to this unfolding political narrative.
