Dr Manjunath told South First that he picked BJP over JDS since it is “a bigger stage in politics”. He is set to contest from Bangalore Rural.
Dr CN Manjunath with BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday, 13 March, 2024. (Supplied)
Noted cardiologist Dr CN Manjunath met BJP stalwart BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday, 13 March, to discuss his joining the saffron party. Moments later, former Karnataka chief minister Yediyurappa declared that the celebrated doctor had joined the BJP.
Dr CN Manjunath, who is also the son-in-law of JD(S) supremo and former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, is expected to be BJP’s candidate for the Lok Sabha elections from Bengaluru Rural constituency.
Incumbent MP and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s brother DK Suresh is the Congress candidate from Bangalore Rural once again.
When South First asked the reason for choosing the BJP instead of the JD(S), Manjunath said, “It is on the principle of change of symbols. It is probably a bigger stage in politics.”
Welcoming Manjunath into the BJP, Yediyurappa told reporters: “The senior personality by joining the BJP, is all set to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He is such a senior personality that when he contests in the polls, he will be elected unanimously.”
He added: “The electoral politics is inevitable. Manjunath joining the party has strengthened the cadre. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah were delighted after learning that he is joining the party.”
Manjunath asserted that the main intention of joining politics is to expand their service at the national level, especially in the health sector.
He told reporters: “We have brought revolutionary reforms in the medical sector during my service. We have developed such a system that the poor, labour, women and oppressed communities get cardiology treatment at affordable cost.”
He also said: “We can call the upcoming polls a hattrick election as Narendra Modi has been elected as the Prime Minister in 2014 and 2019, and is all likely to be elected in 2024 as well. Under his leadership, the country has witnessed development in all the sectors including finance, which received international recognition.”
He further said: “Modi is encouraging the special achievers and experts. I will be contesting the Lok Sabha elections. I will officially join the BJP in a day or two.”
Manjunath added: “Politics is new to me, but I won’t politicise. Considering my experience, health, education, agriculture, and technology are the pillars of democracy of development.”
He noted: “We have already displayed what can be achieved with the help of the state government. We want to replicate it across the country. I have also sought the opinion of my friends, the common people, leaders across the party lines, and others on venturing into the national service.”
On whether he was ready to accept critics in politics, he said: “It is common that when contesting elections, some issues will pop up. But all the people know what I am and how I function. The health sector is also one of the biggest social service sectors. The main intention to join politics is to expand our service. I am mentally prepared to face these elections.”
Drawing parallels with his medical career, he said, “In my 35 years of service in medicine, especially in cardiology, we have brought several changes in terms of treatment and facilities.”
“I believe that the BJP is a bigger platform, where we can pitch some of our ideas and work on turning it into reality,” Manjunath highlighted the reason behind his joining the BJP.
The BJP-led NDA alliance had inducted the JD(S) into its fold in September last year, to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls jointly.
The parties are in the final stage of talks over seat sharing, with the JD(S) demanding four seats and the BJP reportedly offering only three.
According to sources, JD(S) may contest in three seats — Mandya, Hassan and Kolar
Amidst the seat-sharing talks, it was JD(S) president HD Kumaraswamy who chalked out the plan to field Manjunath from the Bengaluru Rural segment.
On condition of anonymity, a JD(S) MLA earlier told South First: “The party leaders have succeeded in convincing Manjunath to try his luck in politics. The decision has been made after a series of meetings with the party leaders and local leaders.”
He added: “Even the BJP leaders including Yogeshwar, who was an aspirant, have also been taken into confidence. The primary intention behind fielding Dr Manjunath is to defeat DK Suresh. The party leadership feels that he is the right candidate to face Suresh, considering his service in the health and social sector.”
He also said: “The final decision on fielding Dr Manjunath will be cleared by the BJP high command. He is likely to be the BJP face instead of the JD(S), which is also the decision of the party leadership. His name has been cleared from the shortlisted candidates list.”
Manjunath headed the state-owned Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research for 17 years before retiring in January this year.
(With PTI inputs)
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)
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