The Congress party in Karnataka has selected DK Suresh, the current representative of the Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency, as a backup candidate for the Kanakapura seat in the upcoming assembly elections. They are taking this measure in case their current nominee, state unit chief DK Shivakumar, faces last-minute disqualification due to ongoing investigations by the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax department. This move demonstrates the high stakes involved in the Kanakapura contest and the importance of taking precautionary measures in the face of ongoing investigations.
Former minister R Ashoka has been fielded from Kanakapura by the BJP, which is looking to take power from the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition in the state. The election in Kanakapura is expected to be one of the most high-voltage contests in the May 10 polls, and the results will be announced on May 13.
While there was speculation that DK Suresh may be fielded from the Padmanabhanagar segment, this has not been confirmed, and currently, he remains a backup candidate for his brother. DK Shivakumar, who has won seven assembly elections since 1989 and is seeking re-election from Kanakapura, won with a margin of over 80,000 votes in 2018. He has denied any wrongdoing and has accused the BJP-led central government of political vendetta.
The outcome of this election could have significant implications for the political landscape of Karnataka, making it crucial for the Congress party to have a backup candidate in case of disqualification.