Captain Brijesh Chowta: Ex-Army Officer And His Debut From Dakshina Kannada Seat (image: facebook.com/captbrijeshchowta/)

Captain Brijesh Chowta currently serves as the State Secretary of BJP“s Karnataka unit and in the upcoming elections, he will be fielded from Karnataka”s Dakshina Kannada constituency. Brijesh Chowta previously served in the Indian Army and is actively involved with grassroot politics in the state.

When party leadership has made him the state secretary a few months ago, it signaled that BJP was seriously considering him in roles and responsibilities. Sitting MP and former state BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel has been dropped in favour of Chowta”s candidacy in Dakshin Kannada. Thus, the 2024 Lok Sabha election constitute ex-army officer”s debut in the polly fray.

Chowta was part of Indian army for seven years, from 2003 to 2010. At first, he was commissioned into the 7th battalion of the 8 Gorkha Rifles, and served in counter-insurgency operations in Assam and Manipur. Besides, Chowta associated as an adjutant to the battalion till 2010. After taking voluntary retirement, Captain Brijesh Chowta returned to his hometown in 2011.

In 2013, he joined BJP as a member of member of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM). Following he undertook several leadership roles in the BJP including the District General Secretary of Dakshina Kannada. In the Assembly elections held in the state in 2023, Chowta was in-charge in the Byndoor constituency.

Aside from this, Chowta is seen active in the sphere of socio-cultural activities as well. He is an organiser of Mangaluru Kambala for six years and also an influential figure in conducting Mangaluru Literature Fest.

Regarding his candidature, Captain Chowta told media that he will remain committed to Hindutva and his priority will be development. Dakshina Kannada is considered as a BJP stronghold, Nalin Kumar Kateel represented the constituency for the past 15 years.