In a noteworthy incident that brought embarrassment to the Congress, senior Karnataka MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa publicly advocated for the re-election of BJP MP BY Raghavendra, the son of former chief minister Yediyurappa, from the Shivamogga constituency.
Highlighting Raghavendra's merits, Shivashankarappa, who is a prominent Lingayat leader, hailed him as a "significant figure" and lauded his humanitarian qualities while commending his contributions to the development of Shivamogga.
Addressing the constituents, Shivashankarappa expressed his admiration for Raghavendra's diligent efforts in serving the constituency, even in challenging circumstances. He endorsed Raghavendra's candidacy for the upcoming elections, emphasizing the importance of recognizing his past achievements, and urged the people to support his re-election bid under the BJP banner.
In response to the unexpected endorsement from the Congress MLA, Raghavendra described it as a profoundly meaningful moment in his political journey. He expressed gratitude for the endorsement from the esteemed senior leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa, the senior Mutsaddhi leader and National President of All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, underscoring his commitment to continue working tirelessly for the comprehensive advancement of the Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency.
This development occurred in the wake of previous statements by Shivashankarappa regarding the alleged marginalization of Lingayats in government offices, where he raised concerns about the community's underrepresentation in key administrative positions. He had also warned of potential repercussions if the grievances of the Lingayat population were not addressed adequately.
Moreover, recent political shifts in Karnataka, such as the return of senior leader Jagadish Shettar to the BJP after a brief stint with the Congress, have added complexity to the political landscape, particularly concerning the representation and aspirations of the Lingayat community.
