Go Back Shobha Akka: Shobha Karandlaje's BJP Nomination Sparks Local Discontent In Bengaluru North

The selection of union minister Shobha Karandlaje by the BJP for the Bangalore North constituency has stirred discontent among local residents. In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Karnataka BJP announced candidates for 20 constituencies in the state on Wednesday. In the latest candidate list, Shobha Karandlaje has been relocated from her previous Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency to Bengaluru North.

However, her nomination hasn't been well-received by locals. Following the announcement of candidates by the party, protests broke out in the area, with residents displaying placards and chanting slogans such as "Go Back Shobha Akka."

Previously, DV Sadananda Gowda, the incumbent MP for Bangalore North and former Chief Minister, voiced his dissatisfaction with the decision to assign his seat to Shobha Karandlaje. Sources informed India Today that he questioned the state party leadership about Shobha's connection to Bengaluru and labeled the decision as "unfair."

The Udupi Chickmagaluru constituency, currently represented by Shobha Karandlaje, is known for its strong influence from Hindu organizations and the Sangh Parivar. Despite being a secure seat, the Union Minister was eager to contest from the same constituency again, but she is facing opposition from local party leaders and workers. Consequently, she has been transferred to Bangalore North due to resistance from locals and recent social media campaigns opposing her candidacy in the current constituency.

According to the recently released list, both the Bengaluru South and Bengaluru Central seats will be retained by Tejasvi Surya and PC Mohan, the incumbent MPs in their respective constituencies. Another notable candidate on the list is Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal, and Mines, who is seeking his fourth consecutive term from Dharwad. Dr. CN Manjunath, the son-in-law of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, has secured the BJP ticket for Bengaluru Rural.