Can Sudeep turn around BJP fortunes in Karnataka?

Amid speculations over his entry into politics, Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeep has extended unwavering support to Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, ahead of the crucial Assembly elections in the State.

Addressing a press meet in Bengaluru, Sudeep said that Bommai was one of the few people who stood behind him during his struggling days. So, he considers it is his duty to support him.

"There were a few who stood by me during my initial days in the film industry. Basavaraj uncle is one of those persons who helped me then. So, it is my duty and gratitude to support him," Sudeep said.

Asked whether he is supporting just Bommai or the BJP as a party, he said, "I will campaign for Bommai uncle and whoever he tells me to campaign for." He, however, pointed out that he cannot campaign for all 224 candidates.

What impact it will have?

The BJP has received a shot in the arm with Kiccha Sudeep's entry as he has a huge fan following across the State. With him campaigning, BJP will stand a chance to reach out to the people on the developmental works carried out by the government.

However, it's still unclear how the actor's fan base will respond to this development and whether Sudeep will be able to turn his fans into votes for BJP which is eyeing a second consecutive term.

Sudeep joining BJP camp is basically a strategic move, as the actor belongs to the Nayaka community, which comprises 7 per cent of the State's population. BJP is well aware that Sudeep has the charisma to attract the young generation of Nayakas and the elderly as well. The community is spread across Ballari, Raichur, Koppal, Gadag and Chitradurga districts.

Notably, actors campaigning for a candidate but not joining a party has been a trend in Karnataka. In 2018, Sudeep campaigned in Molakalmuru Assembly segment for B. Sriramulu. Recently, Sudeep's images with State Congress president D.K. Shivakumar went viral, triggering speculation that the actor may join the grand old party ahead of the Karnataka election.

A career spanning over two decades, Sudeep has acted in films across languages - Kannada, Hindi, Telugu and Tamil. He is best known for his performance in films such as 'Swathi Muthu', 'Kempe Gowda', 'Eega' and 'Pailwaan'. He himself hails from Shivamogga district.

Karnataka actors who entered political arena

Several actors have proven with their own might that it indeed is possible for an actor to make the transition and be relevant in the political milieu.

Ambareesh, known as 'Mandyada Gandu' is a popular actor, remained the darling of his home constituency Mandya in the capacity of an MP till he was alive. His wife Sumalatha Ambareesh also followed his footsteps.

Similarly, B.C. Patil, a real-life cop and later a film star, is a super successful politician in the State. The very talented Umashree, Kumar Bangarappa, Shashikumar, Jaggesh Ramya, Anant Nag, Mukyamanthri Chandru, Tara Anuradha, Bhavana and Shruthi too have proved their worth in the political arena.