A file photo of Shivamogga MLA K. S. Eshwarappa (2nd from left) with S. N. Channabasappa (2nd from right) who got the BJP ticket from the seat for the Karnataka Assembly elections on May 10, 2023. | Photo Credit: VAIDYA

BJP has nominated Channabasappa, leader of the ruling party in Shivamogga City Corporation, as its candidate for the Shivamogga Assembly constituency. Former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa, who now represents the constituency in the Assembly, has retired from electoral politics.

Mr Channabasappa, a Lingayat leader, has been elected to the corporation four times. He served as general secretary of the BJP’s district unit. He is considered a supporter of former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa.

He will file his nomination papers on April 20.

The Congress has nominated H.C. Yogesh, also a corporator, for the seat. The JD(S) candidate is Ayanur Manjunath who resigned from the Karnataka Legislative Council and the BJP to contest the Assembly elections.

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On April 3, Ayanur Manjunath had announced that he would resign as a member of the Karnataka legislative council and contest from Shivamogga constituency in the Assembly polls scheduled on May 10.

Addressing a media conference in Shivamogga on April 3, Mr. Manjunath said he would show his strength by contesting against former Minister and BJP MLA K.S. Eshwarappa. “I have requested BJP leaders many times to give me an opportunity this time. However, there are no signs of honouring my request. Names of children of some prominent leaders figure in the tentative list,” he said.

“Let Mr Eshwarappa or his son K.E. Kantesh contest from Shivamogga. I will make him understand my strengths,” he said.