The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Bangalore): The political landscape of Bangalore Rural is heating up as Congress MP D K Suresh and his BJP rival, Dr. C N Manjunath, exchange barbs, with JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy weighing in on the fray. Suresh criticized Manjunath for his political aspirations and association with the BJP, indirectly commenting on the JD(S) leadership of H D Deve Gowda and H D Kumaraswamy by questioning the regional party’s adequacy.
Suresh, also the brother of Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister and Congress president D K Shivakumar, expressed his views on Manjunath’s transition into politics, suggesting that it stemmed from a lack of confidence in the JD(S) and its leadership. “Dr. Manjunath entering politics is not surprising. He realized that Deve Gowda and H D Kumaraswamy’s party is not good enough. That’s why he secured the BJP’s ticket to contest against me,” Suresh remarked, welcoming Manjunath’s entry into the political arena.
In a robust rebuttal, Kumaraswamy positioned the electoral contest in Bangalore Rural as a battle between ‘selfless service’ and ‘selfishness’, taking offense to Suresh’s comments about Manjunath. He highlighted the national recognition of Manjunath’s achievements, contrasting them with Suresh’s remarks, which he found disparaging. Kumaraswamy emphasized the stark differences voters will face in the upcoming election, framing it as a choice between positive contributions and exploitation.
Kumaraswamy also revealed his personal involvement in convincing Dr. Manjunath and Deve Gowda about the cardiologist’s potential candidacy, illustrating the strategic considerations within the JD(S) and BJP camps. “I was the one who put pressure on him, convinced him and my father,” Kumaraswamy stated, showcasing the internal dynamics leading to Manjunath’s nomination.
As the electoral battle for Bangalore Rural intensifies, the exchange between Suresh, Manjunath, and Kumaraswamy underscores the complex interplay of personal, party, and political considerations shaping the contest, setting the stage for a closely watched showdown in the heart of Karnataka.