From Cardiologist To Politician: Dr. CN Manjunath's Poll Debut For BJP (image:twitter.com/DrCNManjunath/)

Dr. CN Manjunath is a reputed cardiologist, and the upcoming Lok Sabha polls mark his debut in the political field. He is the son-in-law of former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) supremo HD Deve Gowda.

Manjunath will be fielded as an NDA candidate from the Bangalore Rural Lok Sabha constituency. He will be pitted against Congress heavyweight and incumbent MP DK Suresh. Suresh is the brother of deputy chief minister and Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Since the BJP and JD(S) are in alliance in Karnataka, Manjunath will contest on the BJP symbol.

Manjunath served as the director of the state-owned Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research. After a commendable contribution for 17 years, he retired from the position in January this year. In1998, he has received Rajyotsava Prashasti, the second highest civilian award of the Government of Karnataka. For his contribution in the field of Indian medicine, the Government of India conferred him with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour, in 2007.

Regarding Dr. Manjunath”s candidature, DK Shivakumar said the JD(S) is committing suicide by fielding him on a BJP ticket. DK Suresh is a two-time MP from the constituency. DK Suresh first won the seat in the 2013 by-poll and then solidified the position through the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In the 2014 polls, DK Suresh won the seat by successfully contesting against BJP candidate Muniraju Gowda, and in 2019, he defeated BJP nominee Ashwath Narayan Gowda. Bangalore Rural is considered a stronghold of Congress; hence, Dr. Manjunath versus DK Suresh will be one of the high-profile contests in the state.