Lok Sabha polls: Where will Shettar contest from?

Team Udayavani, Mar 9, 2024, 11:08 AM IST

Former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar’s return to the BJP has caused a dilemma among state and national leaders regarding his constituency selection for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Shettar’s hesitation to contest from Belagavi, allegedly due to concerns over conflicts within the Panchamasali community, has complicated matters.

Initially promised a Lok Sabha ticket upon rejoining the party, Shettar’s preferred constituency remains uncertain. While BJP seniors suggested Belagavi due to its geographical and relational significance, Shettar expressed reservations about its suitability in current times. Consequently, he proposed contesting from Hubli-Dharwad, also considering Haveri as an alternative option.

Shettar has reportedly cited two main factors for his hesitation. Firstly, Belagavi is known for entrenched family-centric politics, leading Shettar to question his acceptance in the neighboring district. Secondly, the significant Panchamasali Lingayat community’s vote in Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, and other regions poses a strategic concern, particularly with their recent disillusionment with the BJP, sources said.

Moreover, the Congress had fielded candidates from the Panchamasali community in the past elections. Shettar seems to have calculated that winning possibilities might be miniscule if Congress fields a candidate from the community this time too.  Therefore, Shettar has reportedly advocated for contesting from his home constituency, Hubli-Dharwad, to capitalize on local support.

Ananthkumar Hegde to enter state politics?

In a separate development, there’s a debate within the BJP leadership in Delhi regarding the Lok Sabha ticket of Uttara Kannada district MP Ananthakumar Hegde. Currently, Hegde holds significant sway in the district for the BJP. Party leaders fear potential losses if they introduce a new candidate from the constituency. Even if a new candidate is fielded, Hegde’s support in the election campaign is a must for the BJP.

One option discussed is fielding Hegde from the Yallapur Constituency if Shivaram Hebbar leaves the party.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Yediyurappa has advocated against experimentation, emphasizing the importance of stability in all sectors. Once senior party members accept Yediyurappa’s counsel, Hegde is likely to re-enter the political fray. Consequently, proposals to change candidates in the Mysuru, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru, and Bengaluru constituencies may lose traction.