Narayan Swamy
Political Correspondent - Daijiworld Media Network
Shimoga, Mar 18 : Shimoga Lok Sabha and Soraba Assembly constituencies have always been a tough and challenging turfs for two former chief ministers of Karnataka, Yeddyurappa and the late Bangarappa.
Bangarappa's 2008 Assembly election defeat at the hands of Yeddyurappa and later 2009 parliamentary election loss against the same opponent is still fresh in the minds of Bangarappa family. This time too, Shimoga has become one of the most interesting constituencies in Karnataka as now Bangarappa's elder daughter Geetha, wife of Sandalwood actor Shivrajkumar, has been officially declared as the candidate to contest Yeddyurappa.
The announcement came on Monday March 17 in the presence of former CM and JD(S) leader H D Kumarswamy and other party leaders along with Bangarappa family members.
Speaking to daijiworld over the phone, Geetha Shivrajkumar said, "I have the blessings of my mother, brother, my in-laws (Dr Rajkumar family) and husband, so I agreed to contest on JD(S) ticket. My husband Shiva has been a source of inspiration for me and he is constantly encouraging me to give my best."
She added, "There is no hidden intention in me contesting for the Lok Sabha seat. I only wish to realize my father's unfulfilled dream. God has given me everything. My father had lots of dreams for Shimoga, but left us with his dreams unfulfilled...its our duty fulfil them."
When asked what those dreams were, she said, "My father wanted immense development to happen in Soraba, and the entire Shimoga. But we do not see much development here."
When asked why she had chosen JD(S) to contest the polls, she said, "Bangarappa was in JD(S) when he passed away, the party has given all respect and support to my brother Madhu, and this is the reason I chose JD(S)."
She reiterated, "God has given me everything, I have performed my duty as daughter, mother, daughter-in-law, and now I am taking the responsibility of a politician. I request people to see me not as politician, but as an ordinary person."
"I was two-year-old when my father became MLA for the first time. Years have flown so fast and today I find myself in politics. I do not want to comment about other candidates, but looking at the support we have here, I feel victory is not too difficult to achieve."
Geetha will file her nomination on March 24.